Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, James M. Ford, certify that:

|1. | I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of PremierWest Bancorp;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
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|2. | Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact oromitto state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances underwhichsuch statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterlyreport;                            
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|3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterlyreport,fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows oftheregistrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;                                              
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|4. | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosurecontrols and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-(e)) for the registrant andinternalcontrol over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))forthe registrant and have:
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|5. | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation ofinternalcontrol over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of theregistrantsboard of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):                                                       
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|Date: May 11, 2009 | /s/ JAMES M. FORDJames M. Ford 
President and
Chief Executive Officer

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