United Bank Names LeVar Crooms Market President for $1B Arlington and Alexandria Market

WASHINGTON, D.C. — United Bank has appointed LeVar Crooms as Market President of its Arlington and Alexandria Market, placing a veteran banking and commercial real estate finance executive at the helm of one of its largest regional portfolios.

The Arlington and Alexandria Market represents more than $1 billion in loans and deposits across nine branch locations and nearly 70 employees — making it one of the most significant markets in United Bank's broader footprint, which spans more than 200 offices across Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Washington, D.C.

Leadership Role and Responsibilities

In his new role, Crooms will lead strategic efforts to drive commercial and retail production, manage public relations for the Arlington and Alexandria region, and represent United Bank through civic engagement and professional organizations. He will also be responsible for the profitability and sustained growth of the market.

"United's relationship-driven business model deeply resonates with me. That old-school, people- and community-first approach is what originally drew me to the banking industry, but it's rare to find that with a lot of banks nowadays," Crooms said in a statement. "I'm excited to have found a company whose values align with my own, and a role that allows me to continue the work that I'm passionate about — strengthening relationships and serving the Arlington and Alexandria communities that I've come to call home."

Tim Veith, Regional President at United Bank, cited Crooms' industry experience and community ties as key factors in the selection. "At United, our greatest asset is our people. The talent and expertise of our employees is what allows us to offer best-in-class service to our customers and the communities we serve," Veith said. "LeVar's experience in the banking industry, paired with his deep commitment to the Northern Virginia community, made him an excellent candidate to lead the Arlington and Alexandria Market."

Banking and Commercial Real Estate Finance Background

Crooms brings 18 years of experience in banking and financial services to the role. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of M&T Bank's Commercial Real Estate Finance Division in the Greater D.C. Metro area, a position he held for approximately a decade. Prior to M&T Bank, Crooms built his career at BB&T — now operating as Truist — where he served as Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Banking after progressing through roles including credit analyst, credit analyst team leader, and portfolio manager.

Crooms serves as a board member of the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks' Northern Virginia chapter, positioning him within the region's commercial real estate ecosystem.

Community Ties and Recognition

Beyond his banking credentials, Crooms is active in the Greater Washington community. He was recently appointed to the board of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington and previously held board positions with the Urban Financial Services Coalition DMV Chapter and the Dr. William T. Syphax Education Foundation, where he served as Secretary and Vice Chairman. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Crooms has been recognized with the 2022 Washington Business Journal 40 Under 40 award and the 2023 Northern Virginia Leadership Center for Excellence 40 Under 40 award.

A North Carolina native, Crooms graduated with honors from Johnson C. Smith University with a Bachelor of Science in business administration. He and his wife Anshia reside in Arlington with their son Zachariah.

Strategic Context for United Bank

The Arlington and Alexandria Market carries particular historical significance for United Bank. The bank established its Virginia franchise nearly 30 years ago through the acquisition of an Arlington-based bank, and the market has since grown into one of the largest in the institution's network.

United Bank is a subsidiary of United Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: UBSI) and holds consolidated assets of nearly $30 billion. It is the largest community bank headquartered in the D.C. Metropolitan region.