Potomac Bank selects Winchester-based officer to spearhead new branch
Potomac Bank has appointed Malinda Henkel as Vice President and Branch Business Development Officer to lead the lender’s expansion into Winchester, Virginia, and the surrounding Frederick County. The role places Ms Henkel at the centre of the bank’s efforts to establish a presence in the local market from premises at 116 N. Braddock Street, once renovations are complete.
The appointment was announced by Potomac Bank — a bank that traces its origins back to 1871 and was renamed Potomac Bank on 3 November 2025 — which has positioned the move as part of a wider effort to bring its community banking model to Winchester. Ms Henkel brings more than 30 years’ banking experience to the role and is charged with building customer relationships and embedding the bank in local economic life.
"We are pleased to have Malinda join our team. Her experience, energetic approach, and strong connections within Winchester will serve us well in establishing our authentic community bank culture that has served clients well for over 155 years," said Ron Burley, Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer.
Local experience and community ties
Potomac Bank’s announcement underlines Ms Henkel’s long career across regional banks. Before joining Potomac Bank she was Vice President and Dual Branch Manager at United Bank, and has also held senior branch roles at Marathon Bank and First Union Bank. She holds an Associate Degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Laurel Ridge Community College.
Her public record of civic involvement was noted in the statement: she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Winchester and is a former board member of the United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley. The bank highlighted her roots in Frederick County and described family and outdoor life as important to her personally.
What the Winchester office will offer
Details in the announcement are limited on products or staffing beyond Ms Henkel’s appointment and the chosen office address. The bank said the new branch would be opened following renovations to the Braddock Street premises. For residents and local businesses, the immediate implications are straightforward:
- the arrival of a new community-focused bank office in Winchester city centre;
- a senior local hire with long-standing ties to the area charged with developing relationships;
- an expectation of branch services being available once the site at 116 N. Braddock Street is renovated and opened.
Potomac Bank described its intention to transfer its “authentic community bank culture” to the Winchester market, citing its long institutional history. The bank’s press material emphasised steadiness and local engagement rather than specific commercial or credit programmes attached to the opening.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| New officer | Malinda Henkel, Vice President & Branch Business Development Officer |
| Office address | 116 N. Braddock Street, Winchester, VA 22601 (pending renovations) |
| Experience | Over 30 years in regional banking; previous posts at United Bank, Marathon Bank, First Union Bank |
Local context and next steps
For Winchester residents and local enterprises, the bank’s entry is likely to be watched for the practical benefits it brings — such as branch accessibility, lending and deposit services — and for its engagement with civic and charitable organisations. Potomac Bank’s reference to community ties, and Ms Henkel’s existing voluntary roles, suggest the institution is aiming to position itself as a locally engaged option rather than a purely transactional provider.
The announcement does not set a firm opening date; it states the office will be established at the Braddock Street address upon completion of renovations. Residents seeking further detail on services, staffing or opening times will need to await further statements from Potomac Bank as the branch fit-out progresses.
For an area accustomed to a mix of national and regional banks, the arrival of another community-focused institution may alter the local banking landscape incrementally; however, until the branch opens and products are advertised, the practical impact for individuals and businesses remains prospective rather than immediate.
