FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Brenda D. Farrell, Corporate Communications Manager, 401-348-1363
DATE: May 26, 2004

Washington Trust Chairman and CEO John C. Warren Named United Way Campaign Chair

Westerly, Rhode Island...John C. Warren, Chairman and CEO of The Washington Trust Company, has been named 2004-2005 Campaign Chair for the United Way of Rhode Island. The announcement was made at the United Way's annual meeting, held April 28, 2004 in Providence, R.I.

"I am honored that the United Way has asked me to serve as chairman of the upcoming campaign," Warren said. "This organization is incredibly important to our state because it helps countless Rhode Islanders in very meaningful ways. I look forward to taking a leadership role in this year's campaign."

"We're very excited that John will be heading our campaign," said United Way of Rhode Island President and CEO Dennis M. Murphy. "He is well-respected in our state as someone who backs up his words with actions. Because of his leadership and example, Washington Trust has been a major supporter of United Way for years. This record of support will give credence to John's message as he asks others to join him in helping United Way improve the lives of people in need."

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.