Jim Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of United Bank, recently announced the promotions of Emily Benford and Patsy Mitchell to Banking Officers in the bank's Covington division.

Benford joined the bank during United Bank's acquisition of First Georgia Community Bank in 2008. Formerly assistant branch manager of the Newton Plaza office, she recently relocated to United Bank's Washington Street location, where she serves as branch manager. She earned a bachelor's in business administration from Mercer University and lives in Rutledge. She serves as a school council member of Heard-Mixon Elementary School and is a member of the Present Glory Missionary Baptist Church.

Mitchell joined the bank in 2010 as branch manager of United Bank's retail location in the Wal-Mart Supercenter. She previously worked with other Covington banks in commercial lending and has been an active member of the Newton County Chamber of Commerce and the Rockdale County Chamber of Commerce.

She resides in Covington with her husband, Jim and is active in the Kiwanis Club of Covington.