Electronic Clearing House Hires Steven Smith as new CIO

Prior to joining ECHO, Steve was VP of Engineering for Digital Insight (a financial services ASP providing Internet banking, bill payment, cash management and loan origination capabilities to over 1,500 financial institutions across North America), where he was accountable for all product development. Steve has 11 years product development experience with financial, supply chain and telecom systems. Steve also brings 11 years of global experience with Ernst & Young / CAP Gemini, where, as a Partner he led enterprise system implementation efforts for Fortune 500 corporations across North America, South America, Asia and Europe. Steve holds a B.A. degree in Computer Science from The University of Texas in Austin. Mr. Smith succeeds Alex Seltzer, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer, with respect to information technology duties previously performed by Mr. Seltzer, and joins ECHO as a result of Mr. Seltzer’s decision to pursue other business interests. Mr. Seltzer will continue providing services to ECHO through December 31, 2004, the effective date of his resignation. ECHO does not currently anticipate hiring a new Chief Operating Officer.