NewAlliance Chairman, President and CEO Announces Her Decision to Resign

NewAlliance Bancshares, Inc. NAL Chairman, President and CEO Peyton R. Patterson informed employees and stakeholders today that she has decided to pursue other interests following the successful completion of NewAlliance's merger with First Niagara Financial Group FNFG, which is expected in April 2011 pending shareholder and regulatory approval. Ms. Patterson will continue to lead NewAlliance through the integration and transition process, up until the close of the transaction. She did not share specific details about her plans for the future beyond saying that her decision was purely personal.