PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORP
DEF 14A, 1997-03-13
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE> 1


                          SCHEDULE  14-A  INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
                             (Amendment No. ____)

Filed by the Registrant [ ] 
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant 
[ ] Check the appropriate box: 
[ ] Preliminary  Proxy Statement 
[ ] Confidential,  For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
    14a-6(e)(2))  
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement 
[ ] Definitive  Additional  Materials 
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12

                        Provident Bankshares Corporation
         --------------------------------------------------------------
                (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

                  Mary M. Sjoquist, Muldoon, Murphy & Faucette
     -----------------------------------------------------------------------
      (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X]   No fee required
[ ]   Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11

      1)    Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
            ....................................................................
      2)    Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
            ....................................................................
      3)    Per unit  price or other  underlying  value of  transaction computed
            pursuant to Exchange  Act Rule  0-11 (set  forth the amount on which
            the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
            ....................................................................
      4)    Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
            ....................................................................

      5)    Total fee paid:

            ....................................................................



<PAGE> 2



[ ]   Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ]   Check box if any part of the  fee is  offset as  provided  by Exchange Act
      Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting  fee  was
      paid previously. Identify the previous  filing by  registration  statement
      number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

      1)    Amount Previously Paid:
            ............................................
      2)    Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
            ............................................
      3)    Filing Party:
            ............................................
      4)    Date Filed:
            ............................................





<PAGE> 3




                  NOTICE OF 1997 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

                            TO BE HELD APRIL 16, 1997



TO THE STOCKHOLDERS:

      NOTICE  IS  HEREBY  GIVEN  that the  Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders  of
Provident Bankshares Corporation ("Bankshares") will be held on Wednesday, April
16,  1997,  at 10:00 a.m.  local time,  at the offices of  Bankshares,  114 East
Lexington Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, for the following purposes:

      (1)   To elect six directors.

      (2)   To approve the selection of  Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. as independent
            auditors for 1997.

      (3)   To transact any other  business  that may  properly  come before the
            meeting, and at any adjournments  thereof,  including whether or not
            to adjourn the meeting.

      Only those  holders of record of Common  Stock as of the close of business
on February 19,  1997,  are entitled to notice of and to vote at the 1997 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and any adjournments or postponements thereof.

      Please  sign,  date  and  mail the  accompanying  proxy  in the  enclosed,
self-addressed,  stamped  envelope,  whether  or not you  expect to  attend  the
meeting in person.  You may  withdraw  your proxy at the  meeting  should you be
present  and  desire  to  vote  your  shares  in  person.  Your  cooperation  is
respectfully requested.

                                          By Order of the Board of Directors


                                          /s/ Carl W. Stearn

                                          CARL W. STEARN
                                          Chairman of the Board


March 15, 1997


<PAGE> 4



                        PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORPORATION
                            114 EAST LEXINGTON STREET
                            BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21202

                                 PROXY STATEMENT

                             SOLICITATION OF PROXIES


      This Proxy  Statement is being  mailed on or about March 15, 1997,  to the
stockholders of Provident  Bankshares  Corporation  ("Bankshares") in connection
with the  solicitation  by the Board of  Directors  of proxies to be used at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Wednesday, April 16, 1997, at 10:00
a.m.  local time,  and at any  adjournments  or  postponements  thereof,  at the
offices of Bankshares, 114 East Lexington Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

      The Board of Directors  has  selected  Dennis A.  Starliper  and Robert L.
Davis, or either of them, to act as proxies with full power of substitution. Any
stockholder  giving  the  enclosed  proxy may revoke it at any time prior to its
exercise by giving the Secretary of Bankshares a signed instrument  revoking the
proxy or a signed proxy of a later date. If no instructions are specified in the
proxy, it is the intention of the persons named therein to vote FOR the election
of the nominees named herein as directors of Bankshares, and FOR the approval of
the  selection of Coopers & Lybrand  L.L.P.  as  independent  auditors for 1997.
Execution  of a  proxy  confers  on the  designated  proxyholders  discretionary
authority  to vote the shares in  accordance  with their best  judgment  on such
other  business,  if any,  that may  properly  come  before the Annual  Meeting,
including without limitation, a motion to adjourn or postpone the Annual Meeting
to another time and/or place for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies.


                           EXPENSES OF SOLICITATION

      The cost of the  solicitation  of proxies will be borne by Bankshares.  In
addition to the use of the mails, proxies may also be solicited  personally,  or
by  telephone or  telegraph,  by officers,  directors  and regular  employees of
Bankshares  or of Provident  Bank of Maryland  (the  "Bank"),  none of whom will
receive  additional  compensation  for such services.  Brokers and other persons
will be reimbursed for their  reasonable  expenses in forwarding proxy materials
to customers  who have a beneficial  interest in the Common Stock of  Bankshares
registered in names of nominees.


                VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF


      Stockholders  are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock, par
value  $1.00 per share (the  "Common  Stock")  registered  in their names on the
stock  transfer  books of  Bankshares  at the close of business on February  19,
1997,  the record date fixed by the Board of  Directors.  At February  19, 1997,
Bankshares had outstanding  8,587,762 shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at
the Annual Meeting.

      Bankshares is not aware of any person or group which  beneficially owns or
controls more than five percent of its outstanding Common Stock.


                                      1

<PAGE> 5



                             ELECTION OF DIRECTORS


       The Board of Directors of Bankshares  currently consists of 16 directors.
Messrs.  Clivie C. Haley,  Jr.; Norman J. Louden and C. William Pacy will retire
as of the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

       Bankshares' Articles of Incorporation provide that the Board of Directors
shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, with
a class of approximately one-third of the directors being elected at each Annual
Meeting of  Stockholders.  The terms of five directors of Bankshares will expire
at the time of the Annual Meeting of  Stockholders.  The positions of these five
directors  are to be filled at the Annual  Meeting of  Stockholders.  Therefore,
five incumbent  directors have been nominated to be elected to hold office until
the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their respective successors are
elected  and  qualified  or until their  earlier  resignation  or  removal.  The
nominees are Dr. Calvin W.  Burnett,  Pierce B. Dunn,  Mark K. Joseph,  Peter M.
Martin, and Sheila K. Riggs.

      At a Board  of  Directors  meeting  on  November  20,  1996,  pursuant  to
authority  contained under Bankshares' Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, the
directors elected Barbara B. Lucas to fill a vacancy on the Board created by the
resignation of Thomas J. S. Waxter, Jr. Consistent with the laws of the State of
Maryland,  Ms. Lucas will stand for election by the  stockholders at this Annual
Meeting of  Stockholders.  Ms.  Lucas has been  nominated to be elected and hold
office as a member of the class of directors  whose terms are expected to expire
at the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their respective  successors
are elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal.

      The proxies  solicited  hereby,  unless directed to the contrary,  will be
voted FOR the election as directors of all five nominees listed in the following
table. In order to be elected,  a majority of the shares voted must be voted FOR
the election of each nominee. Each nominee has consented to serve as a director,
if elected.  The Board of  Directors  has no reason to believe  that any nominee
will be  unwilling  or unable to serve as a director  but, if for any reason any
nominee is not willing or able to serve as a director,  the  accompanying  proxy
will be voted FOR a substitute nominee chosen by the Board of Directors.



                                      2

<PAGE> 6



INFORMATION CONCERNING NOMINEES

      The following table presents  information  concerning persons nominated by
the Board of Directors  for election as directors of  Bankshares  to serve until
the 2000 Annual  Meeting of  Stockholders  or until their  successors  have been
elected and qualified or until their earlier  resignation or removal.  Except as
indicated,  the nominees have been officers of the organizations  named below or
of affiliated  organizations  as their principal  occupations for more than five
years.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                         AGE, PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION, POSITION WITH BANKSHARES AND THE BANK, AND
NAME OF DIRECTORS        BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK AT FEBRUARY 19, 1997 (PERCENTAGE OF CLASS)(#)
- -----------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                      <C>                                        
Dr. Calvin W. Burnett..  Dr. Burnett, age 64, has been a director of the Bank since 1984 and of
                         Bankshares since its organization.  He is President of Coppin State
                         College, Baltimore, Maryland.
                         3,034 shares (*)(1)
Pierce B. Dunn.........  Mr. Dunn, age 46, has been a director of the Bank since 1988 and of
                         Bankshares since its organization.  He is Managing Director, European
                         Operations, of TESSCO Technologies, Incorporated, a supplier to the
                         paging, cellular telephone and mobile communications industries.  Mr.
                         Dunn also serves as Chairman of the Board of MIRCON, Inc., an
                         environmental and engineering company.
                         19,612 shares(*)(2)(3)
Mark K. Joseph.........  Mr. Joseph, age 58, has been a director of the Bank and Bankshares
                         since 1993.  He is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Municipal
                         Mortgage and Equity, LLC, a lender which invests in real estate backed
                         tax exempt bonds.  Mr. Joseph is also Chairman of the Board and
                         founder of The Shelter Group, a real estate development, property and
                         asset management company.  Mr. Joseph serves as Chairperson of
                         Bankshares' Audit Committee.
                         5,774 shares (*)(2)
Peter M. Martin........  Mr. Martin, age 59, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bankshares
                         and the Bank, has been employed with the Bank since 1990.  Mr. Martin
                         became a director of the Bank and Bankshares in 1990.
                         191,778 shares (2.2%)(4)
Sheila K. Riggs........  Mrs. Riggs, age 53, has been a director of the Bank since 1982 and of
                         Bankshares since its organization.  Mrs. Riggs is the Chairperson of the
                         Maryland Health and Higher Education Facilities Authority, which issues
                         bonds to finance health care and higher education facilities.  Ms. Riggs
                         serves as Chairperson of Bankshares' Compensation Committee.
                         16,257 shares (*)(2)(5)
</TABLE>




                                      3

<PAGE> 7



      The following table presents information  concerning the person elected as
a director of Bankshares by the Board of Directors subsequent to the 1996 Annual
Meeting  of  Stockholders.  This  person  has  been  nominated  by the  Board of
Directors for election as a member of the class of directors of Bankshares whose
terms are expected to expire at the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until
their  successors  have  been  elected  and  qualified  or until  their  earlier
resignation or removal.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                        AGE, PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION, POSITION WITH BANKSHARES AND THE BANK, AND
NAME OF NOMINEE         BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK AT FEBRUARY 19, 1997 (PERCENTAGE OF CLASS)(#)
- ----------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                     <C>
Barbara B. Lucas......  Ms. Lucas, age 51, is Senior Vice President - Public Affairs and Corporate
                        Secretary of The Black & Decker Corporation.  She was elected a director
                        of the Bank and Bankshares by the Board of Directors during 1996.
                        3,500 shares (*)(6)
</TABLE>


INFORMATION CONCERNING CONTINUING DIRECTORS AND NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER

      The  following  table  presents   information   concerning   directors  of
Bankshares  whose terms of office will continue after the 1997 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders  and  one  named  executive  officer  who  is  not  a  director  of
Bankshares.  As  indicated,  some  directors  will serve  until the 1998  Annual
Meeting of  Stockholders,  and other  directors will serve until the 1999 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders.  Except as indicated,  the directors have been officers
of the  organizations  named  below  or of  affiliated  organizations  as  their
principal occupations for more than five years.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                            AGE, PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION, POSITION WITH BANKSHARES AND THE BANK, AND
NAME OF DIRECTORS           BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK AT FEBRUARY 19, 1997 (PERCENTAGE OF CLASS)(#)
- -------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


DIRECTORS SERVING UNTIL 1999



<S>                         <C>                                                     
Charles W. Cole, Jr......   Mr. Cole, age 61, has been a director of the Bank and Bankshares since
                            1995.  Mr. Cole is Vice Chairman of the Board and Managing Director
                            of Alex. Brown Capital Advisory and Trust Co., an investment advisory
                            and trust company.  Prior to being elected to this position in 1994, he
                            was the President and Chief Executive Officer of First Maryland Bancorp
                            and the First National Bank of Maryland.  Mr. Cole serves as
                            Chairperson of Bankshares' Nominating Committee.
                            4,144 shares (*)(7)

Francis G. Riggs.........   Mr. Riggs, age 59, has been a director of the Bank since 1972 and of
                            Bankshares since its organization.  Mr. Riggs is an Executive Vice
                            President and director of Riggs, Counselman, Michaels & Downes, Inc.,
                            an insurance brokerage company located in Baltimore, Maryland.
                            37,147 shares (*)(2)(8)


                                        4

<PAGE> 8

   
                            AGE, PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION, POSITION WITH BANKSHARES AND THE BANK, AND
NAME OF DIRECTORS           BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK AT FEBRUARY 19, 1997 (PERCENTAGE OF CLASS)(#)
- -------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Carl W. Stearn...........   Mr. Stearn, age 64, Chairman of the Board of Bankshares and Chief
                            Executive Officer of the Bank, has been employed with Bankshares and
                            the Bank since 1990.  Mr. Stearn became a director of Bankshares and
                            the Bank in 1990.
                            188,175 shares (2.2%)(9)



DIRECTORS SERVING UNTIL 1998


M. Jenkins Cromwell, Jr...  Mr. Cromwell, age 66, has been a director of the Bank since 1977 and of
                            Bankshares since its organization.  Mr. Cromwell is a retired Vice
                            President and former director of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.  He is a
                            principal of Maryland Capital Management, Inc., an investment advisory
                            firm, and also serves as Chairman of the Board of the Baltimore
                            Equitable Society.
                            3,465 shares (*)(10)

Robert B. Barnhill, Jr...   Mr. Barnhill, age 52, has been a director of the Bank and Bankshares
                            since 1992.  He is Chief Executive Officer and founder of TESSCO
                            Technologies, Incorporated, a supplier to the paging, cellular telephone
                            and mobile communications industries.
                            3,256 shares (*)(2)

Melvin A. Bilal..........   Mr. Bilal, age 54, has been a director of the Bank and Bankshares since
                            1992.  He is President of the Employment Group, a provider of long and
                            short term staffing needs. Prior to being elected to this position in 1996,
                            he was President and founder of Security America Services, Inc., a
                            security consulting firm.
                            3,312 shares (*)(2)

Sister Rosemarie Nassif...  Sister Nassif, age 54, has been a director of the Bank and Bankshares
                            since 1992.  She is the Executive Director of the Fund for Educational 
                            Excellence and the former President of the College of Notre Dame of Maryland.
                            3,247 shares (*)(11)


                                                5

<PAGE> 9


 
                            AGE, PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION, POSITION WITH BANKSHARES AND THE BANK, AND
NAME OF DIRECTORS           BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK AT FEBRUARY 19, 1997 (PERCENTAGE OF CLASS)(#)
- -------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER
WHO IS NOT A DIRECTOR

James R. Wallis..........   Mr. Wallis, age 48, has been Executive Vice President and Chief
                            Financial Officer of Bankshares and Group Manager--Administration and
                            Chief Financial Officer of the Bank since July 10, 1995.  Prior to joining
                            the Bank and Bankshares, he was an independent consultant.  Mr. Wallis
                            was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of a savings
                            and loan association and its holding company in Atlanta, Georgia until
                            1993.
                            29,800 shares (*)(12)
</TABLE>

- ----------------------------
(#)   Unless  otherwise  indicated by footnote,  each individual has sole voting
      and dispositive powers as to all shares indicated.
(*)   Owns less than one percent of the outstanding Common Stock.
(1)   Includes  1,102 shares subject to a currently exercisable stock option and
      1,680 shares subject to a stock option not currently exercisable.
(2)   Includes 1,102 shares subject to a currently exercisable stock  option and
      2,100 shares subject to a stock option not currently exercisable.
(3)   Includes  11,025 shares held as trustee,  686 shares held as custodian and
      54 shares  held by spouse.  
(4)   Includes 78,277  shares subject  to a  currently exercisable stock option;
      68,250 shares subject to a stock option not currently  exercisable;  6,174
      shares held in the  Retirement Savings Plan for the benefit of Mr.  Martin
      as of December  31, 1996,  the most recent  date for which  information is
      reasonably  available;  and 330 shares with  shared voting and dispositive
      powers.
(5)   Includes  8,758 shares with shared voting and  dispositive  powers and 938
      shares held as custodian. 
(6)   Includes  500 shares  subject  to a currently exercisable stock option and
      2,500 shares subject to a stock option not currently exercisable.
(7)   Includes 551  shares subject  to a currently  exercisable stock option and
      2,100 shares subject to a stock option not currently exercisable.
(8)   Includes  5,190 shares held as custodian and 2,205 shares which  represent
      Director Riggs' beneficial interest of shares owned by Riggs,  Counselman,
      Michaels & Downes, Inc.
(9)   Includes 104,912 shares subject to a currently  exercisable  stock option,
      68,250  shares  subject to a stock option not currently  exercisable;  and
      3,983  shares held in the  Retirement  Savings Plan for the benefit of Mr.
      Stearn as of December 31, 1996, the most recent date for which information
      is reasonably available.
(10)  Includes 1,260 shares subject to a stock option not currently exercisable.
(11)  Includes 602 shares subject to a currently  exercisable  stock  option and
      2,100 shares subject to a stock option not currently exercisable.
(12)  Includes 26,250 shares subject to a currently exercisable stock option.

                                        6

<PAGE> 10



SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT

      The  following  table sets forth,  as of February 19, 1997,  the number of
shares  of  Common  Stock  beneficially  owned by all  directors  and  executive
officers of Bankshares and its subsidiaries as a group.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                     AMOUNT AND NATURE (1)      PERCENT
                                                                   OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP      OF CLASS
                                                                   -----------------------   -------------

<S>                                                                       <C>                    <C>   
All directors and executive officers as a group (14 person)....           512,771                6.0%

</TABLE>

- --------------------
(1)Shares subject to currently  exercisable  options which are held by directors
   and officers are deemed to be  outstanding  for the purpose of computing  the
   percentage of outstanding  Common Stock  beneficially  owned by all directors
   and executive officers as a group.

COMMITTEES

      Bankshares has standing Audit,  Compensation and Nominating  Committees of
the Board of Directors. The members of each of the named committees serve at the
discretion of the Board of Directors.

      The Audit  Committee  (Messrs.  Joseph,  Barnhill,  Cole,  Dunn and Haley)
reviews and reports to the Board of  Directors on  examinations  of the Bank and
its subsidiaries by regulatory  authorities,  recommends independent accountants
for  appointment by the Boards of Bankshares and the Bank,  reviews the scope of
the work of the  independent  accountants  and their  reports,  and  reviews the
activities and actions of the Bank's internal auditors.  The Audit Committee met
four times during 1996.

      The Compensation  Committee (Mrs. Riggs,  Sister Nassif and Messrs.  Cole,
Cromwell,  Pacy and Riggs),  reviews and determines  salaries and other benefits
for executive and senior management of Bankshares and its subsidiaries,  reviews
and  determines  employees to whom stock options are to be granted and the terms
of such  grants,  and  reviews the  selection  of officers  who  participate  in
incentive  and other  compensatory  plans  and  arrangements.  The  Compensation
Committee met three times during 1996.

       The Nominating Committee (Messrs. Cole, Bilal, Dunn and Louden) nominates
persons for election to the Board of Directors of Bankshares  and the Bank.  The
Nominating Committee will consider shareholder  recommendations  submitted to it
in writing in care of  Bankshares.  The  Nominating  Committee  met three  times
during 1996.

DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION

       The Board of Directors of  Bankshares  held twelve (12)  meetings  during
1996.  The Board of Directors of the Bank met twelve (12) times during 1996. All
of the  directors  of  Bankshares  attended at least 75% of the total  number of
Bankshares'  board  meetings held and committee  meetings on which such director
served during 1996. Each outside director of Bankshares and the Bank receives an
annual  retainer  


                                      7

<PAGE> 11


of  $12,000  for  service  on either or both of the  Boards of  Directors.  Each
outside  director  also  receives  a fee of $650 for  attendance  at  regular or
special Board  meetings,  except that a single fee is paid if Board meetings for
Bankshares and the Bank are held on the same day. Finally, outside directors who
are members of committees  of the Board receive a fee of $650 for  attendance at
committee  meetings while the  chairpersons of such committees  receive a fee of
$800.  Total  directors'  fees paid by Bankshares  and the Bank during 1996 were
$360,350.

      The Bank and  Bankshares  have a deferred  compensation  plan for  outside
directors.  Each year, a director  may elect to defer  payment of all or part of
the director's fees for that year until the individual  ceases to be a director.
Interest  is earned on the  deferred  amount at the prime  rate.  Payment of the
deferred  amount  may be  made  to the  director  or to his or her  beneficiary.
Outside  directors also receive a one-time formula grant of non-statutory  stock
options to purchase 3,000 shares of Provident  Bankshares Common Stock under the
Provident  Bankshares  Corporation  Amended and Restated  Stock Option Plan (the
"Stock Option Plan").  Finally, a Non-Employee  Directors' Severance Plan exists
which provides that if a director's service is terminated following a "change in
control" of  Bankshares  or the Bank,  as defined in the Plan,  such director is
entitled  to  receive  a  payment  equal to five  times  the  directors'  annual
retainer.

                 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION

      The report of the Compensation  Committee and the stock  performance graph
shall  not  be  deemed  incorporated  by  reference  by  any  general  statement
incorporating  by  reference  this proxy  statement  into any  filing  under the
Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, except as to the
extent that Bankshares specifically  incorporates this information by reference,
and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

      Recommendations regarding all of the components of the compensation of the
Executive  Officers  of  Bankshares  are  made  by the  six-member  Compensation
Committee of the Board and are approved by the Board of Directors.  The Board of
Directors   did  not  reject  or  modify  in  any   material   way  any  of  the
recommendations  of the  Compensation  Committee  during fiscal year 1996.  Each
member of the Compensation  Committee is a non-employee  director. The following
report  has been  prepared  by the  Compensation  Committee  and  addresses  the
compensation  policies of Bankshares for 1996 as they affected Mr.  Stearn,  the
Chief Executive Officer, and the two other named Executive Officers.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES

      The policies and objectives of the Compensation  Committee are designed to
assist  Bankshares and its  subsidiaries  in attracting and retaining  qualified
executives,  to recognize  individual  contributions  toward the  achievement of
short-term and long-term  performance  goals, and to closely align the financial
interests of the senior managers of Bankshares and its  subsidiaries  with those
of its shareholders. In furtherance of these objectives,  Bankshares maintains a
compensation  program for  Executive  Officers  which  consists of both cash and
equity-based compensation.  From time to time the Compensation Committee retains
independent  compensation  consultants to work with it on executive compensation
matters.  Such consultants  report directly to the Compensation  Committee.  The
Compensation  Committee also has access to competitive data regarding  executive
compensation levels and practices.


                                      8

<PAGE> 12


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAMS AND RELATIONSHIP TO PERFORMANCE


     The annual compensation of the Executive Officers of Bankshares consists of
a base salary and an annual bonus  determined  under the terms of the  Provident
Bankshares  Corporation  Executive  Incentive  Plan  ("EIP").  The  Compensation
Committee has discretion to establish,  relative to  performance  and peer group
comparisons,  the base salaries of the executive  officers.  This is done once a
year. The Compensation  Committee  itself  determines the level of annual salary
for  the  Chief  Executive  Officer,  generally  based  upon  a  review  of  the
performance of the Chief Executive Officer during the prior year and competitive
data  for  that  position.   The  Chief  Executive  Officer  recommends  to  the
Compensation  Committee  a salary  level for each of the other  named  Executive
Officers based upon a performance  review of each  executive.  The  Compensation
Committee is then responsible for approving or modifying the  recommendations it
receives.  The  Compensation  Committee also approves the  participation  of key
executives  in the EIP and is  responsible  for the grant of  options  under the
Stock Option Plan.

EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE PLAN

      The EIP was revised in 1996 to combine the  previous  Executive  Incentive
and  Supplemental  Executive  Incentive  plans.  Under the EIP,  for purposes of
establishing  incentive  awards,  three  after-tax  net income  targets  for the
upcoming year are established:  threshold, budget and maximum. Additionally, the
Compensation Committee sets, for the Executive Officers as a group, a percentage
of base salary to be eligible to be received as incentive  compensation  at each
of the threshold,  budget and maximum  targets.  If actual  after-tax net income
reaches the threshold,  budget or maximum targets,  the Executive  Officers will
automatically  receive  75% of the  designated  percentage  of  base  salary  as
incentive  compensation.  If the  actual  after-tax  net income is less than the
maximum,  but greater than the threshold or budget after-tax net income targets,
the percentage of base salary which may be received as incentive compensation is
increased proportionately.  The remaining 25% of the award potential is based on
individual  performance  against goals,  namely:  management of the company with
emphasis on development  and retention of key personnel;  implementation  of new
initiatives;   financial  progress  in  addition  to  net  earnings;   and  risk
management.  In the event  that  actual  after-tax  net  income is less than the
threshold after-tax net income target, no incentive compensation is payable. The
Compensation Committee reviews the terms of the EIP each year to assure that, in
operation,  it is furthering the  Committee's  compensation  policy  objectives.
Incentive  compensation  earned under the EIP is paid to the Executive  Officers
within  one month of the end of the fiscal  year of the Bank.  Payment of all or
any part of the incentive compensation earned under the Executive Incentive Plan
may be deferred.

STOCK OPTION PLAN

      Long-term  incentives for the Executive  Officers are provided through the
Stock  Option  Plan.   The  Stock  Option  Plan   authorizes   the  issuance  of
non-qualified  stock options to key officers and certain employees of Bankshares
and its  subsidiaries.  Subject to the general  limits  prescribed  by the Stock
Option Plan,  the  Compensation  Committee  has the  authority to determine  the
individuals to whom stock options are awarded,  the term for which option grants
shall be made, the terms of the options and the number of shares subject to each
option. Although the Compensation Committee's decisions are discretionary and no
specific formula is used in the decision  making,  the number of options granted
is based  generally  upon position level and  performance.  Through the award of
stock  options,  the  objective  of aligning  the  long-range  interests  of the
Executive  Officers  with  those of the  stockholders  is met by  providing  the
Executive Officers with the opportunity to build a meaningful ownership stake in
Bankshares.



                                      9

<PAGE> 13



OTHER COMPENSATION PLANS

      The Executive Officers participate in the corporation's health and welfare
and qualified retirement plans on the same terms as non-executive  employees who
meet the applicable  eligibility  criteria,  subject to any legal limitations on
the amounts that may be  contributed  or the benefits  that may be payable under
these plans.

      In  addition  to the  qualified  retirement  plans,  the Bank  maintains a
Supplemental Executive Retirement Income Plan ("Supplemental Plan") in which the
Chairman and President  participate.  The Supplemental Plan provides  additional
benefits to these Executive  Officers upon retirement equal to 35% of final pay,
reduced by Social  Security  and the  age-65  benefit  accrued  under the Bank's
Pension Plan and then proportionately reduced for less than 25 years of service.
In Mr.  Stearn's  case, any benefits paid before the year 2000 will equal 70% of
final pay, reduced as noted above. Thereafter,  any benefits paid will be 35% of
final pay, also reduced as noted above.  The Supplemental  Plan is unfunded,  so
that amounts payable represent unsecured liabilities of the Bank, subject to the
claims of  secured  creditors.  The Bank  reduced  these  unfunded  Supplemental
Benefits  in 1993  from 70% to 35% of final  pay.  The  amount  of this  benefit
reduction has been replaced by a split-dollar  insurance  arrangement.  The Bank
has  purchased  four  insurance  policies  on  the  lives  of the  Chairman  and
President.  Two policies are  split-dollar  arrangements,  subject to collateral
assignment  agreements.   The  other  two  are  corporate-owned  life  insurance
policies.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

      The  Compensation  Committee set Mr.  Stearn's base  compensation  for the
fiscal year 1996 at $388,346,  which  represents a 9.2%  increase  over his 1995
base  salary.  In  establishing  his base  salary,  the  Compensation  Committee
reviewed Mr.  Stearn's  performance  for the prior year and also  considered the
compensation  of  chief  executive  officers  of  banking  organizations  in the
Baltimore  metropolitan  area.  The increase for 1996 reflects the  Compensation
Committee's   recognition  of  Mr.  Stearn's   contribution  to  the  successful
implementation   of  measures  to  improve  the   efficiency  of  the  Bank,  as
demonstrated  by the earnings growth of Bankshares and increase in the return on
and value of  shareholder  equity.  The  budget  target  for 1996 was  exceeded,
resulting in a formula and performance driven proportional payout of $118,770.

COMPENSATION OF OTHER EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

      Recommendations regarding the base salary of the Executive Officers, other
than the Chief Executive Officer, are made to the Compensation  Committee by the
Chief Executive  Officer and are either approved or modified by the Compensation
Committee.  The  recommendation as to the salaries of the Executive  Officers is
based upon a review of the  performance of these officers  during the prior year
by the Chief Executive  Officer.  The  Compensation  Committee did not reject or
modify in any material  way any of the  recommendations  of the Chief  Executive
Officer  concerning  the base salary of the other  Executive  Officers for 1996.
Executive Officers as a group participate in the EIP, and awards under this plan
are based upon the formula contained in the Plan.



                                      10

<PAGE> 14



SUBMITTED  BY  THE   COMPENSATION   COMMITTEE  OF  THE  PROVIDENT   BANKSHARES
CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Sheila K. Riggs (Chairperson)
Charles W. Cole, Jr.
M. Jenkins Cromwell
Sister Rosemarie Nassif
C. William Pacy
Francis G. Riggs

SUMMARY OF CASH AND CERTAIN OTHER COMPENSATION

      The  following  table sets forth the  compensation  paid or allocated  for
services  rendered to Bankshares and the Bank in all capacities during the years
ended  December 31, 1994,  1995 and 1996 (i) to the Chief  Executive  Officer of
Bankshares  and (ii) to the two  members  of  executive  management  whose  1996
compensation  exceeded  $100,000  (collectively  hereinafter  referred to as the
named executive officers).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE


                                                                    LONG TERM
                                                                   COMPENSATION
                                         ANNUAL COMPENSATION         AWARDS
                                     --------------------------    ---------
                                                        OTHER       SECURITIES      ALL
                                                        ANNUAL      UNDERLYING     OTHER
                                     SALARY   BONUS  COMPENSATION    OPTIONS/   COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION   YEAR    ($)      ($)       ($)         SARS(#)        ($)
- ---------------------------  ------ -------- ------- -----------   ---------   -------------

<S>                           <C>   <C>      <C>      <C>          <C>         <C>       
Carl W. Stearn.............   1996  $388,346 $118,770  $5,454(1)   68,250(2)   $52,389(3)
Chairman of the Board and     1995   355,708  110,889   4,949          --       10,993
Chief Executive Officer       1994   315,751   74,889   5,262          --       11,319

Peter M. Martin............   1996  $325,371  $99,510  $4,952(1)   68,250(2)   $37,689(3)
President and Chief           1995   297,167   92,907   4,096          --       $9,015
Operating Officer             1994   260,750   62,058   3,970          --        9,414

James R. Wallis(5).........   1996  $165,667  $47,800      --          --       $1,125(3)
Executive Vice President      1995    77,026   16,776 $16,882(4)   26,250(2)        --
and Chief Financial Officer

</TABLE>

- ---------------------------------------
(1)Represents  grossed-up   reimbursement  for  the  tax  effect  of  reportable
   incremental imputed income for the split dollar insurance agreements.
(2)None of the disclosed options held by Messrs. Stearn and Martin are currently
   exercisable.  The number of options disclosed reflects adjustment pursuant to
   the Stock Option Plan for a 5% stock dividend.  See "Stock Option Grants."
(3)The amounts shown in this column for  the last  fiscal  year are derived from
   the following figures:  (i) Mr. Stearn: $5,706 allocated under the Bank's 401
   (k) plan,  and $46,683  in  economic  value of  Bank-paid  split-dollar  life
   insurance premiums;  (ii)  Mr. Martin:  $6,750 allocated under the Bank's 401
   (k) plan,  and  $30,984 in  economic  value  of  Bank-paid  split-dollar life
   insurance  premiums; and (iii) Mr. Wallis:  $1,125 allocated under the Bank's
   401(k) plan.
(4)Represents gross-up for the tax effect of reportable income for reimbursement
   of relocation expenses.
(5)Mr. Wallis became Executive Vice President on July 10, 1995.

                                       11

<PAGE> 15



CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENTS

      The Company and the Bank have  entered  into Change in Control  Agreements
with  Messrs.  Stearn,  Martin and Wallis  (the  "Executives")  as well as other
officers of the Company and the Bank. Each Change in Control  Agreement with the
Executives  (the  "Agreement")  provides  for a 36-month  term.  Each  Agreement
provides that commencing on the date of the Agreement's  execution,  the term of
the Agreement will be extended for one day each day until such time as the board
of  directors  or  Executive  elects not to extend the term of the  Agreement by
giving written notice to the other party.

       Each Agreement  provides that at any time following a "change in control"
of the Company or the Bank, as defined in the Change in Control  Agreements,  if
the Company or the Bank  terminates  the  employee's  employment  for any reason
other  than  cause,  or if the  employee  terminates  his  employment  following
demotion,  loss of title, office or significant authority, a reduction in annual
compensation or benefits,  or relocation of the principal place of employment by
more than 20 miles immediately prior to a change in control, the employee or, in
the event of death,  the employee's  beneficiary  would be entitled to receive a
payment equal to 2.99 times the Executive's average annual taxable  compensation
as reported on Form W-2 with the Internal Revenue Service for the five preceding
taxable years or such lesser number of years in the event that the Executive has
been  employed by the Company or the Bank for less than five years.  The Company
and the Bank will also continue the Executive's  life,  medical,  and disability
coverage.  Such  coverage  shall cease upon the  expiration  of 36 full calendar
months  following  the date of  termination  or the date the  Executive  secures
comparable  employment by an employer other than the Company or the Bank,  which
ever comes first. If the Executive  voluntarily  resigns from the Company or the
Bank within one year  following  a change in  control,  but prior to an event of
termination described above, the Executive would be entitled to receive a payout
equal to six (6) times his then current monthly taxable  compensation.  Payments
to the  Executive  under  the  Bank's  change  in  control  agreements  will  be
guaranteed by the Company in the event that payments or benefits are not paid by
the Bank.

      Payments  and  benefits  under  the  Change  in  Control   Agreements  may
constitute  an excess  parachute  payment  under  Section  280G of the  Internal
Revenue Code,  resulting in the imposition of an excise tax on the recipient and
denial of the deduction for such excess amount to the Company and the Bank.



                                       12

<PAGE> 16



STOCK OPTION GRANTS

      As discussed  above and as an inducement  to attract and retain  qualified
managers  and  employees,  Bankshares  maintains  the  Stock  Option  Plan.  The
following  table lists all grants of options  under the Stock Option Plan to the
Named  Executive  Officers  for  1996 and  contains  certain  information  about
potential  value of those  options  based  upon  certain  assumptions  as to the
appreciation  of the Company's  stock over the life of the option.  During 1996,
191,000 shares subject to options were granted to 49 persons.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                   OPTIONS GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
                                                        POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT
                                                        ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
                  INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                     PRICE APPRECIATION FOR OPTIONS(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------
  
                    NUMBER OF      % OF TOTAL    
                    SECURITIES     OPTION/SARS   EXERCISE
                    UNDERLYING      GRANTED TO      OR
                    OPTIONS/SARS   EMPLOYEES IN  BASE PRICE   EXPIRATION
   NAME             GRANTED (2)     FISCAL YEAR  ($/SH)(3)      DATE          5%          10%
- --------------     ------------    ------------  ---------   -----------  ----------  -----------

<S>                   <C>              <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>      
Carl W. Stearn        68,250           34%        $31.90      03/06/06    1,415,164    3,461,708
Peter M. Martin       68,250           34%        $31.90      03/06/06    1,415,164    3,461,708

</TABLE>

- ------------------------------
(1)   The  fair  market  value  on the date of grant  was  $33.50.  The  amounts
      represent certain assumed rates of appreciation.  Actual gains, if any, on
      stock  option  exercises  and Common Stock  holdings are  dependent on the
      future   performance   of  the  Common  Stock  and  overall  stock  market
      conditions.  There can be no assurance that the amounts  reflected in this
      table will be realized.
(2)   The number of options disclosed reflects  adjustment pursuant to the Stock
      Option Plan for a 5% stock dividend.  Vesting of the options is based upon
      a formula of time and financial  performance  of  Bankshares.  None of the
      options is  currently  exercisable.  Partial  vesting may occur no earlier
      than the third anniversary of the grant. Full vesting may occur no earlier
      than the  fifth  anniversary  of the  grant.  Full  vesting  shall  occur,
      however,  notwithstanding  the  formula,  no later  than nine and one half
      years after the date of grant.
(3)   The purchase  price may be made in whole or in part through the  surrender
      of shares of Common  Stock at a fair  market  value.  The price  disclosed
      reflects  adjustment  pursuant  to the  Stock  Option  Plan for a 5% stock
      dividend.


STOCK OPTION EXERCISES AND HOLDINGS

      There were no stock  options  exercised  by the Named  Executive  Officers
during 1996.  The following  table  reflects the number of shares covered by all
remaining  unexercised  stock options as of December 31, 1996. Also reported are
the values for "in-the-money" options which represent the difference between the
exercise price of any such remaining unexercised options and the year-end market
price of the Common Stock.

                                      13

<PAGE> 17

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                  AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
                             AND FY-END OPTION/SAR VALUE



                          NUMBER OF SECURITIES          VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                         UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED       IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS/SARS
                        OPTIONS/SARS AT FY-END (#)        AT FY-END ($)(1)
                        --------------------------   ---------------------------

        NAME            EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE     EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE
- --------------------    ----------- --------------   ------------ --------------



<S>                       <C>          <C>           <C>             <C>     
Carl W. Stearn........    181,912      68,250        $6,303,584(2)   $484,575
Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive
Officer



Peter M. Martin........    78,277      68,250         2,648,377(3)    484,575
President and Chief
Operating Officer


James R. Wallis........    26,250           0           323,925(4)          0
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial
Officer

</TABLE>
- --------------------------------
(1)The closing price of the Common Stock on December 31, 1996 was $39.00.
(2)The weighted average option exercise price is $4.35.
(3)The weighted average option exercise price is $5.17.
(4)The option exercise price is $26.66.


                                      14

<PAGE> 18



PENSION PLANS

      The  following  table sets forth the  estimated  annual  pension  benefits
payable  to a  participant  at normal  retirement  age (age 65) under the Bank's
Pension Plan and its Supplemental  Plan, based on both the remuneration  that is
covered  under  such  plans  and  years  of  service  with  Bankshares  and  its
subsidiaries.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                        YEARS OF SERVICE
                  ------------------------------------------------------------
 REMUNERATION        15          20           25          30            35
- ---------------   ---------   ---------   ----------  -----------    ---------

    <C>            <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>   
    125,000        26,250      35,000       43,750       43,750       43,750
    150,000        31,500      42,000       52,500       52,500       52,500
    175,000        36,750      49,000       61,250       61,250       61,250
    200,000        42,000      56,000       70,000       70,000       70,000
    225,000        47,250      63,000       78,750       78,750       78,750
    250,000        52,500      70,000       87,500       87,500       87,500
    275,000        57,750      77,000       96,250       96,250       96,250
    300,000        63,000      84,000      105,000      105,000      105,000
    325,000        68,250      91,000      113,750      113,750      113,750
    350,000        73,500      98,000      122,500      122,500      122,500
    375,000        78,750     105,000      131,250      131,250      131,250
    400,000        84,000     112,000      140,000      140,000      140,000
    425,000        89,250     119,000      148,750      148,750      148,750

</TABLE>

      Bankshares maintains the Supplemental Executive Retirement Income Plan for
certain executive  officers which will pay 50% of the difference  between 70% of
final pay and the amounts paid by the pension plan and Social Security benefits,
except  in the  case  of Mr.  Stearn  where  Bankshares  will  pay  100%  of the
difference prior to the year 2000.  Compensation  used in calculating the annual
normal  retirement  benefit  amounts  reflected in the Pension Plan Table is the
executive's highest rate of base annual salary,  reported in the third column of
the Summary  Compensation  Table,  and does not include bonuses or other amounts
reported in any of the remaining columns of the Summary Compensation Table.

      The following  table sets forth the respective  years of service  credited
for Pension Plan purposes as of December 31, 1996,  and the  estimated  years of
service  at the  respective  normal  retirement  dates  for  each  of the  named
executive officers.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                          YEARS OF SERVICE      YEARS OF SERVICE
         NAME               AT 12/31/96       AT NORMAL RETIREMENT
- -----------------------  ----------------    ---------------------

<S>                            <C>                  <C>
Carl W. Stearn.........        6.9                  9.0
Peter M. Martin........        6.8                 12.4
James R. Wallis........        1.5                 18.3

</TABLE>


                                      15

<PAGE> 19



      The  Pension  Plan  Table  reflects  the  annual  benefit  payable  at the
executive's  65th  birthday in the form of an annuity for the  executive's  life
with a 15-year  guarantee in favor of the executive's  spouse.  Under this form,
should  the  executive  die  within  15 years  after  the  benefits  start,  the
executive's  surviving spouse, if any, will continue to receive the same pension
benefits until the end of that 15-year period.

      The Pension Plan Table  reflects  the maximum  benefit  payable  under the
Provident Bank of Maryland Pension Plan, a tax-qualified funded plan and certain
Supplemental  Retirement Income Agreements providing 50% of the excess (unfunded
benefits).  The benefits reflected in the Table are offset or reduced by 100% of
the executive's estimated primary Social Security benefit.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

      Francis G. Riggs is a director of Bankshares and the Bank, and a member of
the Compensation Committee. Mr. Riggs is Executive Vice-President and a director
of Riggs,  Counselman,  Michaels & Downes,  Inc.  From January l to December 31,
1996,  the Bank paid Riggs,  Counselman,  Michaels & Downes,  Inc.  $242,044 for
premiums related to insurance services.



                                      16

<PAGE> 20



PERFORMANCE GRAPH

      The SEC  requires  that  Bankshares  include  in this  proxy  statement  a
line-graph comparing  cumulative  stockholder returns as of December 31 for each
of the last five years among the Common Stock, a broad market index and either a
nationally-recognized  industry standard or an index of peer companies  selected
by  Bankshares,  assuming  in each  case both an  initial  $100  investment  and
reinvestment of dividends. Consistent with past practice, the Board of Directors
has selected the Nasdaq Market Index as the relevant  broad market index because
prices for the Common Stock are quoted on Nasdaq National Market.  Additionally,
the Board of  Directors  has  selected  the Middle  Atlantic  Banks Index as the
relevant industry standard because such index consists of financial institutions
which are  headquartered in the mid-Atlantic  region and the Board believes that
such  institutions  generally  possess  assets,  liabilities and operations more
similar   to   those   of   Bankshares   and   its   subsidiaries   than   other
publicly-available indices.



                      COMPARATIVE FIVE-YEAR TOTAL RETURNS
    PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORPORATION, NASDAQ MARKET INDEX AND MG GROUP INDEX

                               [GRAPH GOES HERE]


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   SUMMARY
                                         1991      1992     1993     1994    1995     1996
                                         ----      ----     ----     ----    ----     ----
<S>                                     <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>   
PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORPORATION        100.00    215.74   296.73   341.29  496.98   672.11
MIDDLE ATLANTIC BANK INDEX              100.00    125.23   155.57   147.70  224.28   317.65
NASDAQ MARKET INDEX                     100.00    100.98   121.13   127.17  164.96   204.98
</TABLE>




NOTES:
   A.  THE  LINES  REPRESENT  YEARLY  INDEX LEVELS DERIVED FROM COMPOUNDED DAILY
       RETURNS THAT INCLUDE ALL DIVIDENDS.
   B.  THE INDEXES  ARE REWEIGHTED DAILY, USING THE MARKET CAPITALIZATION ON THE
       PREVIOUS TRADING DAY.
   C.  IF  THE  YEARLY  INTERVAL, BASED ON THE FISCAL YEAR-END, IS NOT A TRADING
       DAY, THE PRECEDING TRADING DAY IS USED.
   D.  THE INDEX LEVEL FOR ALL SERIES WAS SET TO $100.00 IN 1991.

                                      17

<PAGE> 21



                     CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT

      Periodically,  the Bank may engage in lending transactions in the ordinary
course  of  business  with  its  officers  and  directors,  as well as  entities
associated with such persons.  Such transactions are made in the ordinary course
of business and on  substantially  the same terms,  including  interest rate and
collateral,  as those  prevailing at the time for comparable  transactions  with
other persons. Loans to such persons do not involve more than the normal risk of
collectability or present other unfavorable features.


                     PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE SELECTION OF
                    INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE YEAR 1997


      The Board of Directors of  Bankshares  has appointed the firm of Coopers &
Lybrand  L.L.P.,  certified  public  accountants,  as  independent  auditors for
Bankshares  for the year 1997,  subject  to the  approval  of the  stockholders.
Coopers  &  Lybrand  L.L.P.,  which  has  served  as  independent  auditors  for
Bankshares and the Bank since 1990, has advised Bankshares that neither the firm
nor any of its partners or associates  has any direct  financial  interest in or
any  connection  with  Bankshares  or any  of its  subsidiaries  other  than  as
independent  auditors.  Representatives of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. are expected
to be present  at the Annual  Meeting  and will have the  opportunity  to make a
statement if they desire to do so and to respond to appropriate questions.

      The Board of  Directors  seeks  stockholder  approval of its  selection of
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. as its independent  auditors to Bankshares for the year
1997.

      The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the Proposal. Proxies will be
voted FOR the Proposal unless otherwise instructed by the Stockholders.


                                OTHER BUSINESS


      The Board of  Directors  is not aware of any matters to be  presented  for
action at the  meeting,  other than the matters set forth  herein.  If any other
business  should  properly  come before the  meeting,  the persons  named in the
accompanying  proxy will vote such proxy in accordance  with their best judgment
with respect thereto.


                               VOTING PROCEDURES


      Each proposal  submitted to Bankshares'  stockholders for a vote is deemed
approved if a majority of the shares of Common  Stock of  Bankshares  present in
person or by proxy at a meeting at which a quorum is  present  votes in favor of
the  proposal.  The presence in person or by proxy of  stockholders  entitled to
cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting  constitutes
a quorum. A stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share owned.

      Stockholder  votes are  tabulated  manually  by the  Corporation.  Proxies
received by Bankshares,  if such proxy is properly executed and delivered,  will
be voted in accordance with the voting

                                      18

<PAGE> 22



specifications  made on such proxy.  Proxies  received by Bankshares on which no
voting  specification  has been  made by the  stockholder  will be voted for all
items discussed in the Proxy Statement,  in the manner slated on the proxy card.
Stockholders  who execute and deliver proxies retain the right to revoke them by
notice in writing  delivered  to  Bankshares'  Secretary at any time before such
proxies are voted.  Under applicable  Maryland corporate law and the Articles of
Incorporation  and  By-Laws  of  Bankshares,   proxies  received  by  Bankshares
specifying an abstention as to any proposal will cause the shares so represented
to be  counted  toward  a  quorum,  but not  counted  as  favorable  votes  and,
therefore,  have the same effect as a vote against the  proposal.  To the extent
holders or brokers  having the right to vote shares do not attend the meeting or
return a proxy,  such shares will not count  toward a quorum and, if a quorum is
otherwise achieved,  will have no effect on the vote of the proposals considered
at the meeting.


                  STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS -- 1998 ANNUAL MEETING


      Any proposal of a stockholder  intended to be presented at the 1998 Annual
Meeting of  Bankshares  must be received  by  Bankshares  at 114 East  Lexington
Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 prior to November 17, 1997, to be eligible for
inclusion  in the  proxy  statement  and form of  proxy.  In  order  to  curtail
controversy as to compliance with this  requirement,  stockholders  are urged to
submit proposals to the Secretary of Bankshares by Certified Mail-Return Receipt
Requested.


                                      19

<PAGE> 23


                                ANNUAL REPORTS


      BANKSHARES'  1996 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS  AND ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM
10-K ACCOMPANY THIS PROXY STATEMENT.  COPIES OF THE REPORTS MAY BE OBTAINED UPON
WRITTEN  REQUEST TO THE  SECRETARY OF  BANKSHARES,  114 EAST  LEXINGTON  STREET,
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21202, AND WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.

                                    By Order of the Board of Directors


                                    /s/ Carl W. Stearn

                                    CARL W. STEARN
                                    Chairman of the Board


Baltimore, Maryland
March 15, 1997






                                      20

<PAGE> 24



- -------
            PLEASE MARK VOTES               REVOCABLE PROXY
   X        AS IN THIS EXAMPLE      PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORPORATION
      
- -------

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  OF PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORPORATION
ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  STOCKHOLDERS  -- APRIL 16, 1997
The undersigned hereby appoints Dennis A.Starliper and Robert L. Davis or either
of them  acting  individually,  and with full power of  substitution  to act, as
attorneys and proxies for the undersigned, to vote all shares of Common Stock of
Provident  Bankshares  Corporation   ("Bankshares")  which  the  undersigned  is
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the offices
of Bankshares,  114 East Lexington  Street,  Baltimore,  maryland 21202 at 10:00
a.m. and at any and all adjournments thereof as follows:


1.   The election as directors of all nominees listed below (except as marked to
     the contrary):

              For       With-     For All
                        hold      Except              
              |-|       |-|        |-|

DR. CALVIN W. BURNETT; PIERCE B. DUNN; MARK K. JOSEPH; PETER M. MARTIN;  SHEILA
K. RIGGS; AND BARBARA B. LUCAS.

INSTRUCTION:  To withhold your vote for any nominee(s), mark "For All Except"
and write that nominee's name on the line below


- -----------------------------------------------

2.   The approval of Coopers & Lybrand as independent Auditors.

                    |_|     |_|     |_|

THE BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  RECOMMENDS  A VOTE "FOR" EACH OF THE LISTED  PROPOSALS.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS  DIRECTED BY THE  UNDERSIGNED.  IF NO  DIRECTION  IS
GIVEN  WITH  RESPECT  TO ANY  MATTER OR  MATTERS,  THIS  PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR
PROPOSALS 1 AND 2. THE  UNDERSIGNED  HEREBY  AUTHORIZES THE PROXIES TO VOTE UPON
SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING,  INCLUDING  WITHOUT
LIMITATIONS,  A MOTION TO ADJOURN OR POSTPONE THE ANNUAL MEETING TO ANOTHER TIME
AND/OR PLACE FOR THE PURPOSE OF SOLICITING  ADDITIONAL  PROXIES.  AT THE PRESENT
TIME,  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS  KNOWS OF NO OTHER BUSINESS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE
MEETING.

The undersigned  acknowledges  receipt from Bankshares prior to the execution of
this proxy of Notice of the Meeting,  a Proxy  Statement,  dated March 15, 1997,
and Bankshares' Annual Report to Stockholders.


    Please be sure to sign and date           Date
       this Proxy in the box below

   ----------------------------------------------------
   Stockholder sign above Co-holder (if any) sign above



    DETACH ABOVE CARD, SIGN, DATE AND MAIL IN POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
                        PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please sign exactly as your name appears on this card. When signing as attorney,
 executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title. If
               shares are held jointly, each holder should sign.

                               PLEASE ACT PROMPTLY
                     SIGN, DATE & MAIL YOUR PROXY CARD TODAY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------





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