Expansion with a Personal Touch
Potomac Bank’s latest move into Winchester, Virginia, isn’t just another notch on their expansion belt. No, this time they’re bringing in Malinda Henkel, a veteran in the banking scene, to steer the ship as Vice President and Branch Business Development Officer. Situated on N. Braddock Street, once renovations wrap up, her office will be ground zero for building community connections. This isn't some cookie-cutter expansion; Henkel's South Winchester roots and extensive experience make her a true fit for the role.
Henkel’s Seasoned Experience and Community Ties
With over three decades of experience, Henkel knows her way around a bank. She’s been in leadership roles across United Bank, Marathon Bank, and First Union Bank. According to Ron Burley, Executive VP at Potomac Bank, her "energetic approach" is expected to blend seamlessly with the bank's 155-year-old community-first philosophy. Henkel is bringing more than her banking chops; she’s got genuine street cred in Frederick County local circles, having been active in organizations like the Rotary Club of Winchester.
"Her experience, energetic approach, and strong connections within Winchester will serve us well..." — Ron Burley
a Legacy of Community Banking
Sifting through all the numbers and names, Potomac Bank—occasional symbol PTBS on the OTCID—is something of a stalwart when it comes to community banking. Since being founded back in 1871, they’ve learned a thing or two about what it means to put down roots. The bank's operations fan out through nine branches and a couple of loan production offices, supporting areas from West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle to Virginia’s northern tip.
Assets, Awards, and Adaptation
Here’s a fresher glance at Potomac’s business numbers: by March 2026, they had a neat $976 million in total assets. Not just chewing on laurels, they’re a recognized name—"Top 200 Community Banks" and "Best Banks to Work For" among the accolades. Being tuned-in to local business needs, they're also a Small Business Administration preferred lender.
The Personal Side of Banking
Henkel, in all her professional get-up, is also weaving the personal into her work. She’s got a penchant for the outdoors, spending off-work hours mucking about her garden or joining her husband Bill on a hunting day. Her commitment to family and tradition forms the cornerstone of how she handles her community relations—giving Winchester a more than welcoming branch setup to look forward to.
Not Just Another Big Name
For Potomac Bank, the Winchester opening is more than a fresh address—it’s about reestablishing what they have always stood for. Whether or not the stock symbol PTBS flickers in your portfolio, the move signifies a doubling down on community in an age where personal connections can still outshine the flash of digital banking conveniences.
In the fiercely competitive world of banking where digital giants cast long shadows, a community-focused strategy remains a classic play. As Winchester waits for the renovations to finish, Henkel's presence undoubtedly marks a promising start for Potomac’s newest chapter.
