Exhibit 99(a)

                    CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                                     PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

        In connection with the Form 10-Q of National Bankshares, Inc. for the
quarter ended June 30, 2002, I, James G. Rakes, Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of National Bankshares, Inc. hereby certify pursuant to 18
U.S.C.ss.1350, as adopted pursuant toss.906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
to the best of my knowledge and belief, that:

(1) such Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, fully complies with the
    requirements of section 13(a) or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
    1934; and

(2) the information contained in such Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
    2002, fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and
    results of operations of National Bankshares, Inc.


/s/ JAMES G. RAKES
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James G. Rakes
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer