banking associations , the American Bankers Association and other industry groups , I have long been involved in advancing common sense legislation at the state and federal level that is probanking and promotes economic development ,” he says .
United Bankshares , Inc ., is a publicly traded company with 250 locations in eight states and Washington , D . C ., with 3,000 employees . Adams is in charge of managing day-to-day challenges and making sure United carries out its mission of excellence in service to its constituents — shareholders , customers , communities and employees . Adams says his role as CEO of West Virginia ’ s oldest and largest headquartered publicly traded company inspires him to try and create change in the private sector and West Virginia as a whole .
“ It also inspires me to have the opportunity to work with and lead our employees . It ’ s a big responsibility , and one I enjoy and greatly value ,” he says . “ It is the chance to lead the same company that my grandfather and father led before me . The family connection , the West Virginia connection and the connection with our employees makes this a special opportunity for me .”
While Adams excels professionally and personally , his competitive spirit also drives him to work hard . In his experience , challenging work is a common denominator of successful people .
“ By and large , West Virginians are hard workers ,” he says .
Even with its impressive growth , Adams is proud of the company ’ s commitment to stay involved in the communities it serves . He is active in the company ’ s Leadership Development Program and is passionate about recruiting and developing talent , which gives the company a competitive advantage .
“ Even though we ’ ve grown from a one office community bank in Parkersburg to become one of the larger banks in the country , we have stayed true to our community bank roots and are committed to giving back to the communities we serve ,” says Adams . “ This is a key part of our mission as a company . I like to say we ’ ve been able to get big and stay small , and it ’ s my job to make sure that doesn ’ t change .”
United was also ahead of the industry in relation to creating a diversity , equity and inclusion department .
“ We were one of the early banks to make public our diversity metrics ,” Adams says . " We have a diverse board and a diverse senior leadership team .”
In his free time , Adams enjoys spending time with his family . He is fiercely proud to be from West Virginia . A father to three boys — Elijah , Dash and Wylie — Adams believes giving back is a huge part of the company ’ s DNA , and for him , it ’ s personal as well .
“ It ’ s important to those companies and those individuals who have been fortunate to have success to give back ,” he says . “ The causes I support are diverse and vary by industry and geography . I ’ m dedicated to continuing to make a positive impact in my home state .” •
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