The Relationship Builder

Julie Gurtis

President, United Bank

Julie Gurtis had a rich experience growing up in Ravenswood, where her family was pre-eminent in the development of the town. Her father and uncle were on bank boards, and she says she will never forget the time when they told her that banks need more women and that women excel in managing and dealing with customer relationships. “They suggested I think hard about going into banking, so I did.” And she has, indeed, excelled: In April of 2022, she became United Bank’s president, making her the first female president in the company’s history, overseeing the institution’s banking services and nearly 250 locations across the Eastern U.S.

Working with customers and creating strong relationships is what drives Gurtis. “I am inspired by the level of hard work and commitment I see every day from our teams,” she says. “I am passionate about ensuring that our company provides an open and supportive environment for our employees to grow and thrive, which, in turn, allows the bank to do the same.”

Gurtis is conscious that her career is making inroads. “Being the first female president of United Bank, I particularly am interested in advancing the role of women in the company and industry.” And she strives for balance—time with family is a high priority, too. “This has been the case from when our children were young, and it is still true today.”

United Bank is “183 years young,” Gurtis says, operating in eight states and Washington, D.C. “We have more than 3,000 employees, and I am so proud that it all started in West Virginia.”

Written by Megan Huff

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