Martin L. Kent

Martin serves as President and CEO of The United Company, a diversified private investment company located in Bristol, Virginia. He leads the Company in its 53rd year of operation as it pursues business acquisitions and seeks new opportunities for growth around the country. Additionally, he serves on the board of multiple organizations including Bristol Regional Medical Center, the University of Virginia’s Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership, the Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Education (VaFREE), the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce as well as a private foundation in Bristol, Virginia.

Martin has served in numerous executive roles in Virginia during fifteen years of service in state government including Chief of Staff to the Governor as well as Chief Deputy Attorney General. In those roles he oversaw the daily operations of state government, interaction with the Virginia General Assembly, the federal government, Governors’ and Attorneys’ General Offices of other states, as well as legal representation of all state agencies. Prior to that service, Martin was engaged in the private practice of law. 

Martin graduated from the University of Richmond with a B.S. in Business Administration and from Mercer University with a Juris Doctorate. He is a CPA and licensed attorney in Virginia. He resides in Bristol, Tennessee, is married to Vonda and they have three daughters.