WASHINGTON, DC - February 17, 2006 - Lawrence K. Doll, Chairman of the Board of United Bank, today announced the appointment of James J. Consagra, Jr. as President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Jim has played an integral role in the success and growth of United Bank in the greater Washington, D.C. area, serving as the Chief Operating Officer since 1998,” said Mr. Doll, who has been Chairman of the Board since February 2000 and was formerly the Vice Chairman of George Mason Bankshares, Inc. “We look forward to continued progress under his leadership.”

Mr. Consagra, who joined the Bank in 1992, has over 20 years of commercial banking experience. As Chief Operating Officer he was actively involved in the management of all areas of the Bank and also serves as an Executive Vice President of United Bankshares, Inc., the holding company for United Bank. Mr. Consagra is a graduate of James Madison University.

“United has a talented team of experienced commercial bankers who are committed to serving the needs of local businesses,” said Consagra. “Our strong Board and seasoned management team has us well positioned for continued growth. I’m very excited to continue working with Mr. Doll and the Board of Directors, who have been instrumental in the financial success and significant market presence of this franchise.”

United Bank is a subsidiary of United Bankshares, Inc. with $6.6 billion in assets. United Bankshares has 90 full-service offices in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, West Virginia, and Ohio. United Bankshares stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market System under the quotation symbol "UBSI".