Richard M . Adams Jr .
CEO , United Bankshares , Inc .
Photo by Ashley Maone Photography .
JAMIE NULL
AS THE CEO of United Bankshares , Inc ., the parent company of United Bank , a position previously held by both his father and grandfather , Richard Adams Jr . is carrying on a family legacy .
Adams did not intend to follow in his father ’ s footsteps . After receiving his undergraduate degree from Rollins College in Florida and attending law school at Washington and Lee University in Virginia , he began his career in the legal field , meeting many influential people along the way . However , he holds a special place in his heart for his father , who has made the greatest impact , and eventually found himself at United Bank .
“ I ’ ve grown up watching him build the company since it was a one office bank in Parkersburg , and I ’ ve worked
in that organization now for 28 years , even working directly for him in the last few years ,” Adams says . “ While it wasn ’ t always easy working for my dad , I ’ ve learned a great deal from him and cherish the time we spent working together . He left big shoes to fill .”
Adams grew up in both West Virginia and North Carolina . After he graduated from law school , he aspired to return to West Virginia to make a difference . Before he made his way to United , Adams ’ first job after law school was with the firm Bowles Rice LLP working in its commercial practice group .
“ I had a great experience in that first job and learned many important things ,” he says . “ I had a seasoned senior partner who I worked for named Jack Bailey who brought a practicality and a common sense approach to the practice of law — something you don ’ t really get in law school and something I think is so important for young lawyers . David Hardesty was also a partner in the firm , and I learned much about leadership from him . Tom Heywood impressed upon me the importance of being involved in activities and organizations that promote economic development and help shape the political landscape in West Virginia .”
When Adams had the opportunity to join United in 1994 , he was finally home .
“ My grandfather ran the bank in the 60s and early 70s , and my father became the CEO in the late 70s ,” he recalls . “ I never wanted to be a banker , but I did care a lot about the company because of the family connection , so when I had an opportunity to join the bank as an attorney , I decided to do it .”
Adams ’ path to becoming CEO included a succession of distinct positions — both legal and non-legal , such as most recently serving as the United Bankshares president .
“ Being at the company for 28 years , and serving in many capacities , I have learned numerous things from each job I ’ ve done ,” he says . “ I have enjoyed a variety of different areas and have been able to keep my hand in legal matters while also experiencing things like sales and management .”
Adams believes his work on legislation is the area where his legal work has had the greatest impact .
“ Through my work with various state
108
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE