*Former First Bank president joins Union First operation

By James Heffernan -- jheffernan@nvdaily.com

Former First Bank President and CEO Harry S. Smith has joined Richmond-based Union First Market Bank as its Winchester market executive.

Smith's "banking experience in the market and understanding of the needs of the community will serve our customers well," Union First regional president Michael T. Leake says in a statement. "Harry will play a key role in building our brand and increasing our market share in both Winchester and the Shenandoah Valley."

Union First has full-service branches in Winchester and Front Royal, and recently acquired a branch in Harrisonburg as part of its push into western Virginia. The bank also operates branches inside 22 Martin's grocery stores in Virginia.

Smith, 57, announced his retirement from Strasburg-based First Bank in January, citing health reasons and a desire to spend more time with family. He remains active on various local boards and commissions, including Valley Health, Shenandoah University and the Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

For further developments, visit nvdaily.com or read the print edition of The Northern Virginia Daily.