Jason VanSickle, Managing Director of Financial Solutions, of First United Bank & Trust is pleased to announce that Laura Helmich has been appointed as Director of Specialized Banking.

With over 25 years of banking experience, Laura has built a reputation for her unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional and positive customer experience.  In her most recent role as Director of Consumer Services she was responsible for managing the Customer Service Center to cater to the financial needs of customers as an extension of the Bank’s retail banking division.

“Laura’s passion, expertise, and understanding of our bank made her the perfect person to fill the role of Director of Specialized Banking. Her dynamic, service-oriented approach will foster our customers’ experience and help to educate our associates and customers about the innovative financial services and solutions we offer at First United.” stated VanSickle.

Laura is a certified financial educator through the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors. She is also a member of the WV Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators; Pennsylvania Association of Student Aid Administrators; and DE, DC, MD Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

Laura remains active in the community and helps to implement a variety of First United’s financial education programs. She has been awarded the WV Association of Student Financial Aid Administration President’s Award, the New York State Financial Aid Administrators Association Citation of Appreciation and the State University of New York Financial Aid Professionals, Service Award. She also serves as a Speaker Bureau Volunteer for the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education and is active with the National MS Society and Relay for Life.

First United Corporation operates one full-service commercial bank, First United Bank & Trust.  The Bank has a network of community offices in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick Counties in Maryland, as well as Mineral, Berkeley, and Monongalia Counties in West Virginia.  First United’s website can be located at MyBank.com.  As of 9/30/2024, the corporation posted assets of $1.9 billion.