Mr. John Emmet “J.E.” Brignac, who resigned from the board in February 2016, was also an “independent director.” The board considered the relationships between our directors and Investar or the Bank when determining each director’s status as an “independent director” under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules, including the relationships listed above under “CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.” Other than the relationships listed above under “CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS,” the board determined that these relationships did not affect any director’s status as an “independent director.” Furthermore, we are not aware of any family relationships between any director, executive officer or person nominated to become a director or executive officer.