Trending
PARKERSBURG -- Richard M. Adams, chairman and chief executive officer of United Bankshares Inc., has received the Lorenelle White Lifetime Achievement Award at The State Journal's 2017 Who's Who in West Virginia Business Awards celebration in Charleston.
The award goes to individuals who have shown a love for West Virginia and its people through their business and community involvement.
"I love the state. It's a great place to raise your kids. There are a lot of positives about West Virginia, although you don't often hear the positives," Adams said. "That doesn't mean there aren't things we need to improve, but I think it's a great place to live."
In addition to honoring 10 Who's Who awardees each year, The State Journal began presenting its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 in memory of the former owner and publisher of The State Journal, Lorenelle White.
Those recognized have been entrepreneurs, business owners and executives who have given thousands of West Virginians opportunities to live and work in their home state. Their companies and personal contributions have enriched the quality of lives in their communities and throughout the state of West Virginia.
Honorees have worked in various industries throughout the state, and have provided hands-on leadership and financial support for education, health care and community projects.
Adams, at the age of 29, became president and CEO of a single-office community bank in Parkersburg with $100 million in assets. During Adams' 41 years at the helm, he transformed the small banking entity into a $19 billion banking company powerhouse.
With nearly 2,500 team members at over 140 locations across West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., United Bankshares is recognized today as the 38th largest banking company in the country based on market capitalization. United is the largest financial holding company and publicly traded company headquartered in West Virginia.
His commitment to community and civic leadership extends beyond his banking profession. Adams has held numerous leadership roles in various organizations such as chairman of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, West Virginia Business Roundtable, West Virginia Kids Count and West Virginia Bankers Association. His fundraising on behalf of many charities includes raising $700,000 for the West Virginia Kids Count Endowment Fund; serving as the chairman of the Salvation Army's campaign that raised $600,000 for its building fund; and founding the Kids Classic Golf tournament, which has raised over $2.6 million to aid the Boys and Girls Club of Parkersburg, among others.
Previous recipients include: (2005) H. Smoot Fahlgren, Fahlgren Inc.; (2006) Buck Harless, International Industries; (2007) William T. "Bill" Bright, Bright Enterprises; (2008) A. Michael Perry, Heritage Farm Museum and Village; (2009) Marshall Reynolds, Champion Industries; (2010-2011) Gary West, Stratford Springs Steak & Seafood; (2012) L. Newton Thomas, ITT Carbon Industries; (2013) Dan Pochick, Rish Equipment; (2014) Ruth Lemmon, West Virginia Automobile and Truck Dealers Association and Gary White, International Resource Partners; (2015) Tom Jones, West Virginia United Health System; (2016) E. Gordon Gee, West Virginia University.