WASHINGTON, DC (March 16, 2006) – James J. Consagra, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank, today announced the promotion of Dennis M. Coombe to Chief Credit Officer.

Mr. Coombe, who joined the Bank in 2000, was previously a Market President in the Banks Corporate Lending Division.

“Dennis has been critical to United Bank’s commercial lending success” said Lawrence K. Doll, Chairman of United Bank. “His leadership will allow the Bank to continue to provide focused and responsive lending, specific to the needs of businesses in each market area.”

Mr. Coombe has over 30 years of commercial lending experience and holds an MBA from George Mason University.

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".