FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. GovernmentAbout Us
Our Mission
The primary mission of United Bank of Philadelphia is to deliver excellent customer service at a profit and to make United Bank of Philadelphia the “hometown” bank of choice. Our goal is to foster community development by providing quality personalized comprehensive banking services to business and individuals in the Greater Philadelphia Region, with a special sensitivity to Blacks, Hispanics, Asians and women.
A Message from President & CEO
33 Years and Counting - Onward and Upward, Together
Banking began as a community endeavor—and in William Penn’s Philadelphia, that spirit of commerce, inclusion, and progress was born. At United Bank of Philadelphia, we proudly carry that legacy forward.
Since opening our doors in 1992 under the visionary leadership of our founder, Dr. Emma C. Chappell, United Bank has stayed true to its mission: to drive economic inclusion and opportunity in urban communities. Dr. Chappell believed that a financial institution rooted in purpose could be a powerful force for change—and that belief remains at the heart of everything we do.
From day one, our focus has been transformational. Churches—among the most vital institutions in our communities—were among the first to place their trust in United Bank of Philadelphia. With time, local businesses followed, recognizing the value of partnering with a mission-driven, minority-owned and operated bank. These early relationships were often grounded in shared vision: to reinvest in the heart of our communities and support institutions committed to equity and empowerment.
As the first commercial bank in Pennsylvania to be certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we’ve consistently supported underserved communities with responsive, affordable banking services. Today, we continue that legacy as a business bank that understands the real-world challenges faced by small businesses and entrepreneurs—offering practical, personalized solutions such as SBA 7(a) loans to support growth and sustainability.
We’ve also expanded our impact through powerful partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to inclusive economic growth—including Rock Creek, Exelon, Fiserv, Fulton Bank, Asian Bank, and Drexel University to name a few. Furthering our mission by creating innovative financial solutions designed to uplift and empower local entrepreneurs and small business owners. These relationships reflect our belief in the strength of collective effort and the importance of aligning with institutions that share our commitment to inclusive economic growth.
As we reflect on our journey, we do so with gratitude for every business owner who has entrusted us with their vision—and with great anticipation for what lies ahead. We are committed to looking onward and upward, continuing to evolve, innovate, and meet the needs of our communities in a rapidly changing world. Our goal is not only to be a trusted financial partner, but a catalyst for generational wealth, thriving businesses, and resilient neighborhoods.
Philadelphia remains a vibrant hub of innovation and resilience, and United Bank is proud to be part of that momentum. We understand that when communities are given access to tools, knowledge, and opportunity, they don’t just participate in the economy—they help shape it.
At United Bank of Philadelphia, we remain focused on the future—with a clear mission, a strong foundation, and an unwavering belief in what’s possible when we work together.
We are “So Much More Thank Banking”
It’s Impact
-Evelyn F. Smalls
Our History
30 Plus Years of Service!
Banking, in the very beginning, was rooted in the community, and William Penn’s Philadelphia was the epicenter of this focus on commerce. In 1992, United Bank of Philadelphia (the “Bank”), from its origins, recognized that community and urban banking would always be the focus of its mission, vision, and values. These ideals became the basis for “So Much More Than Banking,” and it was clear that the work ahead would be transformative.
Therefore, with this clear direction, the bank, through its products and services, would drive economic inclusion in the urban communities with an impact of creating and retaining jobs with adequate wages to improve one’s economic conditions. We also knew that the business model needed to be nimble and adaptable to change as shifts in the economy occurred and as demographics/ environments progressed. We believe that we have been able to stay the course in spite of challenges and setbacks; yet, a constant presence in the region since 1992.
The bank grew rapidly during its early years from one branch office to eight, building a track record serving low to moderate-income communities. This performance positioned the bank to become the first commercial bank in the Commonwealth to be certified by the U. S. Department of Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). In addition, United Bank of Philadelphia is a CRA rated financial institution.
Today, this bank is a “business bank” and one that has experienced the nuances that small businesses and entrepreneurs face in their enterprises. This direct knowledge and sensitivity is what propels this team to be solution-oriented. We are singularly focused on the growth and development of small businesses in the region, offering products and services that are affordable and relevant to their enterprises. The bank specializes in Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to support the dynamic needs of small businesses.
This region is a steeped for innovation and entrepreneurship. This Bank is excited about the potential that lies ahead as we all chart new enterprising paths for growth, sustainability, and success. Entrepreneurs are by nature altruistic and always look for ways to reach back and empower others. Ensuring that diverse opportunities are available to community resident and providing them with proper information to make sound choices for themselves and their families is important to the bank.
We also understand the importance of sharing wisdom, knowledge, and expertise with our youth. Outstanding, talented students have had internships with the bank over the years and have left indelible marks on the staff and the organization. We understand the importance of opening our industry to them so that they can continue to make sound decisions and choices about their future with exposure to careers through work experiences in a supportive environment.
This bank is excited about the potential that lies ahead as we all chart new, enterprising paths for growth, sustainability, mentoring, and success. This is important to the bank, ensuring that diverse opportunities are available to community residents and that they have proper information to make sound choices for themselves and their families. We know that there are dynamic leaders in this great region who have created enormous enterprises who share their expertise on a daily basis. We know because we have benefitted from solid relationships with many of them. We know that if we continue to work together through multi-sector partnerships with a focus on sound economic results and impact, more of our citizens will become participants in the economic mainstream rather than spectators.
“So Much More Than Banking”
Investor Relations
United Bank of Philadelphia (“Bank”) is a proud contributor to the economic fabric of this great city. The chartering of the Bank in 1992 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Banking brought together the rich diversity of leadership that had and continues to have a tremendous stake in this region.
We are singularly focused on the growth and development of small businesses in the region, offering products and services that are affordable and relevant to their enterprises. The bank specializes in Small Business Administration SBA 7(a) loans to support the dynamic needs of small businesses.
Investor FAQs:
How do I transfer or sell my stock to someone?
To transfer your certificate to a new owner, you must inform the bank’s stock agent by mail. Please endorse the certificate by filling in your name on the back of the certificate. Sign where indicated, have a medallion guaranty stamp affixed, and mail with accompanying a $35 check payable to Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions Inc. 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
What if there is a death?
In the event of a death, the following documents are required:
An original certified copy of the death certificate
Short Certificate
Evidence of Appointment of Administrator Executor
Name, address, and social security number of the person to whom the certificate will be transferred. The designated administrator executor should sign the back of the stock certificate and have a medallion guaranty stamp (affixed at the Bank’s Corporate Headquarters- 30 South 15th Street, Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA 19102). Send the stock certificate, together with all other documents and a $35 check payable to Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions Inc. 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
Name change/address change?
Address and name changes must be submitted by mail to Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions Inc. 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717
How do I sell my stock?
United Bank of Philiadelphia is not permitted to either repurchase its own stock or allowed to act as a broker in the transaction of the sale and purchase of its existing stockholders’ stock. However, stockholders are free to negotiate the sale of their stock to anyone they choose. The stockholder and the potential buyer would determine the price. The bank, by law, may not participate in this discussion at all. When a buyer has been found, follow the procedures outlined in Question 1.
What if I lose my certificate?
Notify Broadridge in writing and mail to 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. Upon receipt, Broadridge will forward an affidavit of loss form along with a letter detailing the fees required for replacement.
Fees may vary based upon the amount of shares.
Board of Directors
L. Armstead Edwards
Chairman of the Board, United Bank of Philadelphia
L. Armstead Edwards joined the Board of Directors of United Bank of Philadelphia in March 1992 as a founding director. Mr. Edwards is the President and CEO of Edwards Entertainment Group and has been involved in the entertainment industry for many years.
Rev. William B. Moore
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, United Bank of Philadelphia
Rev. William B. Moore joined the Board of Directors of United Bank of Philadelphia in 1992 as a founding director. Rev. Moore has been the Pastor of Tenth Memorial Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA since 1971. He also has served as the Deputy Director at the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Marionette Y. Wilson
Secretary of the Board of Directors, United Bank of Philadelphia
Marionette Y. Wilson joined the Board of Directors of United Bank of Philadelphia in 1992 as a founding director. She is now retired but was formerly the Co-Founder/Partner, John Frazier Inc., Philadelphia, PA from 1981-2002.
Elvin P. Ross III
Director, United Bank of Philadelphia
Elvin P. Ross III is the now-retired founding member of Legis Group LLC, a Philadelphia law firm that specializes in serving business clients. In November 2023, he was elected as a Pennsylvania state trial judge for Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas. Prior to joining the court and his work at Legis Group, he was a senior associate at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, and prior to that he served as a federal law clerk in the Southern District of Texas
Evelyn F. Smalls
President and Chief Executive Officer, Director
United Bank of Philadelphia
Evelyn F. Smalls has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Bank of Philadelphia since June of 2000. Prior to this appointment, she was the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Compliance.
Bernard E. Anderson
Director, United Bank of Philadelphia
Bernard E. Anderson joined the Board of Directors of United Bank of Philadelphia in 2002. He is a former Whitney E. Young, Jr., Professor of Management, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and a former economist at the US Department of Labor.
Management Team
Evelyn F. Smalls
President and Chief Executive Officer
Evelyn Fennell Smalls is President and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank of Philadelphia, a minority-owned and controlled, full-service commercial bank. With over 30 years of experience in banking and community development, Mrs. Smalls is responsible for the leadership and management of the bank, including setting the direction of the organization, communicating its vision, and adapting the culture and operations to achieve success.
Prior to her appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Smalls served as Senior Vice President for Regulatory Compliance and Community Reinvestment. Her leadership helped establish the bank’s community reinvestment model that has achieved consecutive “outstanding” ratings from the Federal Reserve and FDIC since the bank’s inception.
Before joining United Bank of Philadelphia, Mrs. Smalls served as a Partner and Consultant with the Community Development Services Group of Pennsylvania from 1984 through 1993. From 1973 through 1984, she was Vice President and Consultant to Executive Management at First Pennsylvania Bank of Philadelphia. Skilled in organizational dynamics, Mrs. Smalls started her career in Philadelphia with the Arco Chemical Company.
Mrs. Smalls received her Bachelor’s degree in Business from North Carolina Central University. She serves on several boards, including United Bancshares, Inc., where she is a member of the executive, asset liability, and loan committees. She also serves on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, Chairperson for the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID), Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers (PACB), the American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation, and the National Bankers Association. In addition, Ms. Smalls was appointed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and served a three-year term on the Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council (CDIAC).
Mrs. Smalls’ passion includes activities that support women’s issues, economic empowerment, and development activities for youth. In addition, she is an alumni member of the Philadelphia Chapter of The Links, Inc. where she is a member of National Trends and Services facet, which focuses on economic opportunities and financial education.
Brenda M. Hudson-Nelson
Executive Vice President & CFO
Brenda M. Hudson-Nelson has served as United Bank of Philadelphia’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for twenty-five years. Mrs. Hudson-Nelson has thirty-four years of experience within the financial services industry. Mrs. Hudson-Nelson’s responsibilities include directing financial planning, implementing and overseeing the bank’s systems of internal controls, managing the bank’s investment portfolio, and monitoring and managing the bank’s sensitivity to interest rate risk. Ms. Hudson-Nelson ensures that the Bank’s Annual Report, SEC Reports, and other Regulatory Reports are filed accurately and timely. Ms. Hudson-Nelson also oversees the bank’s operations, including deposit operations and loan accounting. Her background is steeped in bank accounting, reporting, and internal controls. She chairs the bank’s Technology Committee and is a member of the bank’s Officers’ Loan Committee, Officers’ ALCO Committee, Directors’ ALCO Committee, and Executive/Senior Management Committee. She also serves as the Corporate Secretary of the bank and holding company.
Prior to joining United Bank of Philadelphia, Ms. Hudson-Nelson was an Audit Manager for Ernst & Young, a ”Big 6” accounting firm serving clients in the financial services industry, with progression from staff to manager. She managed major Philadelphia/New Jersey banking and mutual fund clients, supervised staff persons, reviewed the bank system of internal controls in loan processing, check processing, deposits, and investments, and performed bank loan loss reviews and assessed the adequacy of loan loss reserves.
Ms. Hudson-Nelson received her Baccalaureate degree in Accounting from Widener University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Ms. Hudson-Nelson is the author of “Women in Accounting – Getting to the Top” in the Pennsylvania Journal of Accountancy. She served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the South Street Dance Company, CHOICE, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Mercer County, and for Prevention Point Philadelphia. She currently serves on the board of the Widener University School of Business Advisory Council.
Coston M. Cobbs
SVP, Senior Lending Officer
Coston joined the United Bank of Philadelphia in January 2015. He is a seasoned commercial banker with over twenty-five years of experience in commercial real estate lending. Coston began his banking career with PSFS Bank, where he honed his banking skills and received progressive promotions during his tenure with PSFS. Coston worked for Mellon Bank as Vice President & Financial Advisor, where he was responsible for servicing commercial real estate relationships within the Philadelphia market. Prior to joining the Bank, Coston served as Senior Vice President with Citizens Bank for several years. In that role, he was responsible for $140MM in outstanding loan commitments.
Coston fills a critical role in United Bank of Philadelphia as we implement the bank’s business strategy. He is responsible for the development and management of the commercial lending business and credit administration for the Bank. Coston’s leadership is key in the Bank’s overall strategic planning process to ensure that appropriate goals and strategies are outlined, ensuring that the loan portfolio grows, enabling the Bank to achieve and sustain profitability.
Coston attended Temple University School of Business and Real Estate. He resides in Philadelphia with his wife, Roslyn.
Dimitria Davenport
Vice President, Retail Banking & Compliance
Dimitria Davenport is a Vice President at United Bank of Philadelphia, a local community financial institution in Philadelphia. With over 20 years in the financial services industry, she has held key roles within Training, Consumer Banking, Retail Administration, and Human Resources. Dimitria has spent the last eighteen years of her career working diligently to carry out United Bank of Philadelphia’s mission of financially empowering people and businesses in the greater Philadelphia region. In her current role, she provides leadership to the Community Banking team, which includes oversight of the Bank’s financial service centers and driving community development within the Bank’s footprint. As the Compliance Officer, she is responsible for ensuring the bank’s adherence to all applicable consumer protection laws and federal and state regulations.
Dimitria’s passion for community development extends beyond United Bank of Philadelphia. She is an advocate for education. She serves as a mentor to young adults and maintains an active affiliation with her community church, New Hope Temple Baptist Church, where she has served for over 20 years. She has used her banking experience to teach financial education classes throughout the City of Philadelphia.
Dimitria serves on several Boards: The Executive Committee of the African American Chamber of Commerce, the City Schools, and the New Hope Community Development Corporation.
Dimitria earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics at West Chester University in 1993 and completed a Consumer Management Training Program with First Union National Bank in 1996.