FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Brenda D. Farrell, Corporate Communications Manager, 401-348-1363
DATE: May 19, 2004

Washington Trust Chairman and CEO Honored by the National Conference for Community and Justice

John C. Warren receives the prestigous NCCJ Humanitarian Award

Westerly, Rhode Island... John C. Warren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Washington Trust Company, is the recipient of the 2004 NCCJ Humanitarian Award given by the Rhode Island and Southeastern New England Chapter of the National Conference for Community and Justice. The award was presented at the 52nd Community and Justice Awards Reception, held Thursday, May 13, 2004 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, R.I.

According to Toby Ayers, executive director of the Rhode Island chapter, Warren was selected because he "personifies NCCJ's mission in the work that he does every day and shares his gifts of diversity and leadership with the community." She added, "John Warren's long-term commitment to NCCJ's mission is evident in his and Washington Trust's support of community organizations located throughout Rhode Island."

"This award is truly a great honor," Warren said. "The mission of the NCCJ is critically important because social justice and fairness must be a right for all. Every one of us needs to be involved."

Tony Maione, incoming president of the United Way of Rhode Island, presented Warren with the award. "John is a role model for aspiring leaders in any sector," Maione said. "He sees the human side of every issue and refuses to give up on people."

The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) is the only national human relations organization that focuses on a broad range of "isms," the multiple manifestations of discrimination and oppression that are based on one's religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, or culture. To confront and overcome them, NCCJ maintains an abiding commitment to work with decision-makers and leaders to support their work to build an inclusive society. NCCJ today has more than 55 regional offices in 32 states and the District of Columbia.

The Washington Trust Company is the largest independent bank headquartered in Rhode Island. A state-chartered bank, Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including trust and investment management, through its 16 branch offices located in Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut. Founded in 1800, the Bank is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., whose common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market® under the symbol WASH. Web site address: www.washtrust.com.