Pub. 12 2021 Issue 3

wvbankers.org 6 West Virginia Banker Meet Your Chairman: Chad Mildren, Chief Consumer Banking Officer, United Bank 1. How did you start your banking career? I come from a long line of bankers. I’m actually a fourth-generation banker, so it’s almost as if banking is in my blood. I began my career in the banking industry working as a teller during the summers while in college. And in the summer prior to my senior year, I interned at Jackson State Bank in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The internship provided me the opportunity to experience and gain insight into several areas of the industry, including new accounts and branch operations. It was at that point I decided to pursue a career in banking and upon my graduation from the University of Kentucky, I took a role as a credit analyst at that same bank in Jackson Hole. 2. Are there any individuals who had a major impact on your career? There have been several individuals that have really had a great impact on my career and life. The first two – my father William E. Mildren Jr. and grandfather William E. Mildren Sr. – they were both bank presidents at the former Commercial Bank in Parkersburg, running the community bank for more than 50 years. Their guidance, influence and knowledge, as well as the examples they set as positive role models, bankers and community members really helped me to forge my career. Additionally, Richard and Rick Adams have been lifelong family friends. They are both driven, dedicated leaders within United Bank, across our footprint and the industry. Throughout my 21 years with United, they have each served as role models and mentors as I’ve grown my career and worked across numerous areas of the bank. Many others have also touched my life and helped me along the way for which I am very grateful. 3. Best professional advice you have received: I have received advice from many influential people throughout my career. While each has been helpful, I don’t believe one piece stands out as the best, but rather, each bit of advice or guidance tended to build upon itself throughout the years. Working hard, having a good attitude, caring about others and focusing on making a positive impact all go hand-in-hand and continue to be guiding principles in my professional career and life. 4. What has been most rewarding part of your career? Making a difference in my community and being a part of a winning team at United that works to make a positive difference in the lives of our employees and within the communities we serve. In my role at United, as well as my service as a past chair and current board member of the Wood County Economic Development Authority, I’ve been able to help attract new businesses to the local area and assist customers in growing their businesses by providing financing and other banking services. Helping to further United’s commitment to the communities we serve through volunteerism and fundraising has also been very rewarding. For the past 12 years, I have served as chairman of the annual Kids Golf Classic to raise money for our local Boys & Girls Club. The Club plays such an important role within the community, shaping the lives of the youth across the Mid-Ohio Valley and contributing to their future successes. I Chad Mildren (far left), 2020 Kids Golf tournament chairman, and tournament top-level sponsors present the event fundraising proceeds to the Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg.