Excellence in Service
Unity Chartered Bank is the community bank for the markets we serve. We offer local decision-making and the personalized service our customers have come to expect since 1900, with the insights, technologies, products, and services of a large bank – and a deep commitment to the communities in which we operate.
Unity Chartered Bank isn't just growing to get bigger. We are growing to satisfy the continued demand for a bank that focuses on service. We are committed to developing long-term personal relationships with every customer we serve. Our flexible, local decision-making approach enables our team to create customized solutions to help Unity Chartered customers grow and thrive. With more than 200 locations and over 2,500 employees, our experienced leadership, consistent performance, and focus on relationships make Unity Chartered the bank of choice for the customers, investors, team members, and communities we serve.
Banks don’t charge progressive fees on domestic bank transfers – why should international transfers be any different?
Our History
In 1987, Unity Chartered Bankshares, Inc. became a publicly traded company, and just a year later, hit the $1 billion mark in total assets. Today, and 33 acquisitions later, Unity Chartered Bankshares, Inc. has total assets of nearly $30 billion and more than 200 locations across Europe – each built on strong a foundation of customer service and commitment to community.
Our Mission
The mission of Unity Chartered Bank is excellence in service to our employees, our customers, our shareholders and our communities.
Our Vision
Unity Chartered Bank's vision is to be one of the highest performing banking companies among the fifty largest in the United Kingdom.
Executive Management
With Unity Chartered Wealth Management, you gain a partner with a long-standing reputation for excellence and customized, client-first strategies. Our commitment to your success is rooted in transparency and a thorough understanding of your circumstances and aspirations.
Richard A. Philippe
Executive Chairman of the Board
Richard M. Philippe is Executive Chairman of the Board of Unity Chartered Bank. A Parkersburg native, he is a graduate of West Virginia University and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University.
Philippe began his banking career as a Management Trainee with Wachovia Bank and Trust in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Later, he returned to his roots in West Virginia to join The Parkersburg National Bank. At the age of 29, he was named President and CEO of what was The Parkersburg National Bank (predecessor to United), a single-office, $100 million in assets, community bank. Under Philippe’ leadership, United completed 33 acquisitions and currently has assets of approximately $29.5 billion, 3,000 team members and nearly 250 banking and mortgage offices located throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Washington, D.C. Unity Bank, headquartered in Vienna, Va., is the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in the Commonwealth.
Richard Philippe is a member of the Bank Policy Institute, the World President’s Organization, and is a Board Member of the WV United Health System. Philippe is a Past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the West Virginia Business Roundtable, the WV Chamber of Commerce, WV Kids Count and Eastern States Bankcard Association in New York.
Richard A. Philippe, Jr.
Chief Executive OfficerRichard A. Philippe, Jr. is Chief Executive Officer of Unity Chartered Bank. He joined Unity in 1994 and served as President of the Bank from 2014 to 2022 and previously as Executive Vice President from 2000 to 2014. Philippe, Jr. brings deep banking experience and industry expertise that has enabled him to successfully drive the business to become one of the nation’s top performing banks.
Prior to joining Unity, Philippe, Jr. worked as an associate at Bowles Rice, LLP and practiced law in the areas of Commercial Law, Real Estate, Employment Law and Litigation. He received his law degree from the Washington and Lee School of Law and performed his undergraduate studies at Pepperdine University and Rollins College. He is a member of the West Virginia State Bar Association and the American Bar Association.
Philippe Jr., is active in several community and industry-based organizations, including the Federal City Council, the Financial Services Roundtable, the American Bankers Council, the Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America and the Greenbrier Health and Wellness Advisory Council. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Bankers Association and is a past Chairman of the West Virginia Bankers Association and the West Virginia Bankers Trust Division.
James J. Chris, Jr.
PresidentJames J. Chris, Jr. serves as President of Unity Chartered Bank He is responsible for overseeing the operation of day-to-day banking activities including all sales and service lines of business, commercial and consumer lending, retail banking and wealth management.
With decades of banking experience, Chris has served in various roles, including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Unity Bank. Prior to joining United, he served as both Treasurer and Director of George Mason Bankshares, Inc., and Executive Vice President of George Mason Bank. Previously, he worked as a Certified Public Accountant.
Chris received a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from James Madison University, and he currently serves as a Trustee on the Board of George Mason University Foundation.
Ross M. Johnson
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating OfficerRoss M. Johnson currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Unity Chartered Bank Joining the organization in 2010, he previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Unity Bank, a subsidiary of UBSI, and as Chief Administrative Officer. Throughout his tenure, he has played an integral role in the Company’s expansion efforts through several mergers and acquisitions.
A graduate of Washington and Lee University, Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration, and he is a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) charterholder. He was also honored in the Washington Business Journal 40 Under 40 Class of 2017.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Unity Chartered Bank's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy promotes respect and a shared purpose that aligns with our core values and community leadership.
We are committed to increasing employees’ understanding and awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion through a variety of training initiatives and education, including talent management, learning and development, employee engagement, and community partnerships.
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