Fauquier Bankers To Launch Middleburg Bank's First Fauquier Location

Middleburg Bank will open its first financial center in Fauquier County this June. The office launch will be engineered by Gary Shook, Bob Sylcox, and Ronnie Jenkins, three senior Fauquier County banking executives. The three bankers will be responsible for Middleburg Bank's Fauquier County operations.

"We're all thrilled to be leading the Middleburg team here in Fauquier County," said Gary Shook, Middleburg Bank's new Warrenton/Fauquier Community Executive, speaking on behalf of the new team. "The Middleburg Bank community oriented, high personal service philosophy and sophisticated line of financial products are a perfect match for our banking style and Fauquier County. We can't wait to get started."

Joe Boling, President and CEO of Middleburg Bank was also pleased. "Even before opening our first Fauquier financial center, we already enjoy serving about one thousand Fauquier County households. So, we know our banking style and the people of Fauquier are a good match. Being able to partner with top quality, community bankers like Gary, Bob and Ronnie will make our Fauquier product even more attractive. We couldn't be happier."

Gary Shook brings nearly 25 years of financial services experience to Middleburg Bank and will serve as the bank's Fauquier County Community Executive. In his career, he has served in a senior management capacity overseeing almost every aspect of bank operations. Since graduating from the University of Virginia in 1982, Mr. Shook has been employed by several community banks and investment services companies, all located in Virginia. For the last decade, Mr. Shook has served as a senior executive at Fauquier Bank. He is involved in the Fauquier community, previously serving as President of the Warrenton Rotary Club, Chairman of the Bluemont Concert Series, Director of the Partnership for Warrenton Foundation, and is presently serving as Vestryman at St. James Episcopal Church and Vice Chair & Director of the Fauquier/Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.

Bob Sylcox will serve as Senior Vice President, Senior Commercial Lender, Fauquier County. Over the last 27 years, Sylcox has worked in various capacities including Senior Commercial Lender at Fauquier Bank. He's involved in the Fauquier community, holding various officer positions in the Warrenton Ruritan Club since 1983 and serving as President of the John Marshall Club. He has resided in Fauquier County for the last 27 years and served in the United States Army Reserves, retiring in 2002 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Ronnie Jenkins joins the team as Vice President, Commercial Lending. Jenkins has spent nearly 30 years in banking with responsibilities ranging from Branch Manager to Consumer Loan Officer to Commercial Lender. Most recently, Jenkins was Assistant Vice President and Business Services Officer at BB&T. His community involvement is extensive including current board member of the Piedmont United Way, past Chairman of the March of Dimes Walk America and past Treasurer of a local chapter of the Jaycees.

In November 2004, Middleburg Bank also added Harry Atherton to its Board of Directors. Mr. Atherton operates a farm in Fauquier County and is a well-known community leader. He is a member of various organizations, commissions and boards and is currently Chairman of the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors. He has served as Chairman of the Fauquier County Planning Commission and was a member of the Agricultural and Forest District Advisory Committee, the Agricultural Development Committee, the Virginia Association of Counties and the Marshall Business and Residents Association.

Middleburg Bank's first Fauquier location will open this June at 530 Blackwell Road in Warrenton in a building formerly housing a BB&T branch. The bank has also purchased land on Waterloo Road where it intends to open another office. The bank continues to search for other appropriate locations throughout Fauquier County.