CBTC's Middleton Wins Champion for Women Award

WALDORF, Md. (August 19, 2016)—Michael L. Middleton, Chairman of the Board of Community Bank of the Chesapeake and The Community Financial Corporation, was recently honored with the Champion for Women Award at the Maryland Bankers Association's (MBA) Council of Professional Women in Banking and Finance 2016 Annual Conference. The Champion for Women Award "recognizes a senior or executive level individual who through personal commitment, continuously promotes and inspires women in the workplace to reach their full potential." Speaking at the conference, Mr. Middleton helped motivate and inspire participants to become even more effective leaders.

"Mr. Middleton has been a continuous and inspiring leader for women in the workplace. He consistently promotes and encourages us to reach our full potential," said Christy Lombardi, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer of Community Bank of the Chesapeake. "He has played both mentor and advocate for many women within the bank, encouraging them to enhance their skills and knowledge through professional and leadership development and to reach for the stars in their career aspirations."

Mr. Middleton has worked for Community Bank of the Chesapeake for over 40 years, serving as the CEO from 1979 through 2014. In 2014, Mr. Middleton was named Executive Chairman of the Board, before retiring in 2016 to serve as Chairman of the Board. Throughout the years, Mr. Middleton has ensured the bank provides for professional development opportunities and tuition programs for employees interested in furthering their education, advancing in their career or taking on leadership roles. Mr. Middleton has two daughters of his own and continuously supports them as they both pursue careers in leadership positions.

"One of Mike Middleton's top initiative as 2012-2013 Chairman of the Maryland Bankers Association was to recognize the important role women have in the banking industry and to help them reach their professional goals. With that goal in mind, he was instrumental in the creation of Maryland Bankers Association's Council of Professional Women in Banking and Finance where women can connect, learn and empower one another to succeed," said Maryland Bankers Association's President & Chief Executive Officer, Kathleen Murphy. "Now in its fifth year, this Council continues to make an impact in the lives of so many women for success, both personally and professionally, as well as communities throughout Maryland in its philanthropy efforts. I believe Mike's leadership and vision for this Council in 2013, is one of the reasons why he is so deserving of this award."

The Council of Professional Women in Banking and Finance is made up an Advisory Board of volunteer members of the Maryland Bankers Association. As past Chairman of the Board for the Maryland Bankers Association, Mr. Middleton helped form the Council of Professional Women in Banking and Finance. Mr. Middleton strived for a council that would help further women's careers and give them the chance to connect with other successful women. The Council of Professional Women in Banking and Finance provides a variety of professional development programs throughout the year. Its Annual Conference, held the first Thursday each May, is to encourage "women to reach for GOLD—Growth, Opportunity, Leadership and Development." At their Annual Conference they present achievement awards to honor individuals who have demonstrated their values in the banking and finance industry.

"Mr. Middleton has been instrumental in providing an environment where those (women) who want to advance in their careers have an equal opportunity. He has created a workplace environment which promotes open dialogue and empowers individuals to make decisions and encourages everyone to share their views and suggestions," said Karrie Wood, Senior Vice President, Manager of Sales of Community Bank of the Chesapeake. "I am beyond thrilled Mr. Middleton has won this award for he truly deserves to be recognized for his personal commitment."

Headquartered in Waldorf, Maryland, Community Bank of the Chesapeake is a full-service commercial bank, with assets over $1 billion. Community Bank of the Chesapeake is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Community Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: TCFC).