Get to know some of United’s Military Veteran employees this Veterans Day

United recognizes that the diversity of its team supports the Company’s overall mission to provide excellence in service. Its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion fosters respect and a shared purpose that aligns with the Bank’s core values and community leadership. Since the Bank’s founding in 1839, its leading principles have helped United grow from a single-office bank to a premier regional banking company with a strong presence throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Today, the Company holds approximately $30 billion in assets and serves a consumer and commercial customer base that is diversified across lines of business as well as geography, with more than 225 offices located throughout Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, as well as Washington, D.C.

United’s employees are its greatest asset – when team members thrive, so do customers and so does business. That’s why, this Veterans Day, United is spotlighting some of its Military Veteran employees, their accomplishments, and the work they are doing to support their communities, bolstering the Bank’s commitment to ensuring that employees from entry-level to management are empowered to reach their full potential and make a difference, contributing to a culture that is entrepreneurial, efficient, relationship-based, and service-oriented.

At United Bank, we appreciate the sacrifices made on behalf of our country and communities, and we thank all our Vets for their service!

If you asked a young Matt Humphrey what he wanted to be when he grew up, his answer wouldn’t be much different than other boys. He was going to be a professional athlete. It wasn’t so much the promise of stardom that enticed him, but rather the idea of being part of a team, working towards a common goal, and achieving great things that fueled his dreams. And while his career path didn’t ultimately lead him to the NFL, MLB, or NBA, he attributes his time playing team sports in pursuit of that goal as what set him down the path of professional success as an adult.

Humphrey attended the United States Military Academy at West Point for undergrad where he received a Bachelor of Science in economics and civil engineering. Although he hadn’t initially planned to go the military route, when he received a letter from West Point and learned more about the opportunity, he became excited about the challenge of attending one of the top leadership development institutions in the world, and all that it would entail – academically, physically, and mentally. With help from coaches and other supporters who were willing to go to bat for him, Humphrey was able to earn the Congressional nominations required for acceptance to the Academy and begin his journey with the U.S. Army.

Upon graduating from West Point, Humphrey was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, gaining his first leadership experience as an Army Officer. Over the course of the next eight years, he would go on to serve in several leadership positions as an Army Aviation Officer in Korea, Central America, Afghanistan, and the U.S., as well as have the opportunity to fly Blackhawk helicopters. After completing his military service obligation, Humphrey transitioned to civilian life, returning to school to earn an MBA from Vanderbilt University with a concentration in finance, strategy, and entrepreneurship.

After earning his MBA, Humphrey began his wealth management career as a private wealth advisor for Goldman Sachs, serving ultra-high-net-worth families, foundations, and endowments. However, after several years on the job, he was approached about a new opportunity with United.

With primary locations in his current home of Washington, D.C. and his hometown of Parkersburg, WV, United Bank had long been on Humphrey’s radar. When he met with United executives to discuss opportunities to help drive growth of the wealth management and brokerage business of the Bank, Humphrey says United’s demonstrated commitment to teamwork and collaboration – organizational traits he came to value while serving in the military – is what drew him in.

Today, Humphrey is the executive vice president and head of wealth and investment management at United and the chief executive officer of United Brokerage Services, Inc. In this role, he uses his 13 years of wealth management experience to oversee everything within the Company’s Trust and Brokerage divisions and is responsible for the overall management of and strategic planning for United Wealth Management.

A lifelong athlete, sports continue to play a major role in Humphrey’s life – a trait he and his family share. He manages to squeeze in regular CrossFit workouts outside of work, and his weekends are spent at tournaments, cheering on his son in various competitive sports. But Humphrey also appreciates a good book. When he finds downtime, he’s known to pick back up on his latest read, usually a recommendation he’s received from friends and family. He also continues to look for more opportunities to get involved in his community. Whether volunteering with a local organization or participating in United’s Charity Golf Classic – even though he admits his skills could be improved – Humphrey makes an effort to give back when and how he can.

How has your military experience influenced your leadership style?

In strong military units, there are no heroes – the hero is the team. I believe this mentality is not exclusive to just the military but can apply to a myriad of examples of collaborative work. I strive to encourage teamwork and collaboration at all levels, and it’s important for me to help everyone reach their full potential. I believe that we can all improve and get better when we are challenged in tough situations; however, I have also learned the importance of being fair and kind, and to value those who are working towards our common goals as an organization. As a leader, if I can be that voice of encouragement that not only holds our team accountable to a high standard, but also inspires and helps bring together my team, then I will have become the type of leader that West Point and the military trained me to be.

What advice do you have for Veterans transitioning to civilian life?

Keep an open mind and never stop learning – before, during, and after your transition. While many people in the business world will appreciate the unique and valuable skills gained during your military service, ultimately – and just like the military – you must be able to perform at a high level in your new role to earn the respect of others and to achieve success. There are high expectations in the military, and if you continue to strive for that same level of excellence and hold yourself to that same standard in all areas of your life, you’ll find great success in whatever endeavor you pursue.

What does Veterans Day mean to you?

I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to serve. There are those who are unaware – or forget – how fortunate we are in our daily lives, and who take for granted the big and little things we are afforded that others around the world are not. For me, Veterans Day is a time to reflect and appreciate all those who served and those who paid the ultimate price for something much bigger than themselves. God Bless America!