United Bank, Mildren garner W.Va. banking advocacy awards

PARKERSBURG -- United Bank and a United vice president have received awards at the 129th West Virginia Bankers Association Annual Convention.

United Bank received the 2023 Bank Advocate of the Year and the association honored Chad Mildren, United executive vice president and chief consumer banking officer, as the 2023 Individual Banker Advocate of the Year.

The association each year presents the Bank Advocate of the Year award to a member bank that goes above and beyond investing time, effort and resources to support the association's advocacy efforts, including financial support, banker engagement, thought leadership and relationship building.

Receiving this year's award, United was recognized for its multi-year approach to engaging team members of all levels, showcasing United's commitment to educating and advocating on behalf of its employees, while also supporting WVBankPAC, the nonpartisan, nonprofit political action committee of the West Virginia Bankers Association.

"Over the course of several years, the number of bankers (at United) making meaningful PAC contributions increased significantly, and participation goes far beyond the C-suite," Mark Mangano, association president and CEO, said. "United Bank has devoted resources to educating its bankers and encouraging participation. United's efforts are a model for creating constructive engagement."

United's advocacy efforts are pioneered by Mildren. The association gives the Individual Banker Advocate of the Year award to a bank leader from West Virginia who spearheads and takes action to support initiatives that defend and advance the banking industry at the state and national level, making unparalleled contributions.

A past chairman and current member of WVBankers board of directors, the award recognizes Mildren's leadership of WVBankPAC and cultivation of grassroots engagement to promote legislative action in the best interest of the banking industry and the state.

Mildren has served on the WVBankPAC's governing committee for several years, previously serving as chairman of the committee. Under his leadership, WVBankPAC's fundraising increased by more than 45 percent, setting new heights for PAC fundraising and political support.

"It's an honor to be named the 2023 Individual Banker Advocate of the Year and to also work alongside so many individuals who recognize the vital role banks play in job creation, small business growth and economic development," Mildren said. "WVBankers legislative committee, as well as BankPAC, truly give bankers across the state the voice to promote sound public policy, creating and preserving a robust financial services marketplace. In these rapidly changing times, it is important that as bankers we are strategically engaged in the political process at both the state and national level, contributing in meaningful ways to support our banking system and move the industry forward."

United and Mildren were previously honored with WVBankers advocacy awards in 2018, recognizing the leadership and execution of a bank-wide campaign to advance business and economic growth in the state, with a goal of enhancing the vitality of West Virginia.

United Bank is the largest publicly traded company headquartered in West Virginia. It has consolidated assets of nearly $30 billion with about 250 offices throughout West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Washington, D.C.

United was named the Most Trustworthy Bank in America by Newsweek, joining the list of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America.