WASHINGTON, DC (May 8, 2006) – James J. Consagra, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank, today announced the promotion of Kurtis J. Marx to Executive Vice President, Manager of Commercial Real Estate Lending. Marx, who has been with United Bank for over six years, was previously a Senior Vice President in the bank’s Commercial Real Estate Lending Division.

In his new role Marx will be responsible for building client relationships with an increased emphasis on new business development. “Kurt brings a wealth of commercial lending experience and has handled a number of large commercial real estate projects for the bank,” said Mr. Lawrence K. Doll, Chairman of United Bank. He added, “I am confident that he will continue to do an outstanding job”. Scott Ritter, Executive and Manager of the Commercial Real Estate Lending Division added, “Kurt and is a key member of our commercial real estate management team and will continue to play an integral role in the success of our division”.

Marx has more than 23 years of commercial banking experience. Marx earned a BBA in Finance from George Washington University (GWU) and has completed graduate studies from GWU. Marx serves as a committee member on the National Association of Industry and Office Properties (NAIOP.)

United Bank has more than 400 employees and 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.