EXHIBIT 99

For Immediate Release


February 26, 2004

Contact: David G. Ratz, Executive Vice President & COO
         (740) 286-3283


Oak Hill Financial Announces Share Repurchase Program

Jackson, Ohio -- Oak Hill Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq NMS: OAKF) today announced
that its Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase up to 300,000 shares,
or approximately 5.4 percent, of its outstanding common stock through open
market or privately negotiated transactions.

The Company's board of directors approved the buyback program in light of
current market conditions and the capital position of the company. "We believe
the repurchase program will have a positive impact on our earnings per share and
return on equity and therefore will enhance shareholder value," said R. E.
Coffman, Jr., President and CEO of Oak Hill Financial." The repurchased shares
will become treasury shares that will be used for general corporate purposes,
including mitigating the potentially dilutive effect of the company's stock
compensation plan.

Oak Hill Financial is a financial holding company headquartered in Jackson,
Ohio. Its subsidiaries, Oak Hill Banks and Action Finance Company, operate 26
full-service banking offices, four bank loan production offices, and six
consumer finance offices in 15 counties across southern and central Ohio. A
third subsidiary, Oak Hill Financial Insurance Agency, provides group health
plans and other insurance services to over 350 business and public-sector
organizations throughout the same region. The company also holds 49% of Oak Hill
Title Agency, LLC, which provides title services for commercial and residential
real estate transactions.

At December 31, 2003, Oak Hill Financial had $938.3 million in assets and
approximately 5.6 million shares outstanding.

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