Thomas Kephart has been named president of the Covington bank division of United Bank.

"I am excited about Thomas joining our bank family," said Jim Edwards, CEO of United Bank. " He has the reputation of being a tremendous community leader and banker. He will be integral in continuing our work here in this wonderful community."

Kephart has served about 17 years in banking in the Newton County area, most recently as senior community executive and senior vice president of Synovus Bank of North Georgia in Newton, Rockdale, and Henry counties. He earned a bachelor's in finance from Georgia State University and a master's in finance from Mercer University, according to a release. He is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University and is a board member of the Friends of Newton County Miracle League, a board member of the Covington Rotary Club, a board member of the Newton County Chamber of Commerce and member of the Economic Development Roundtable.

Kephart and his wife, Amy, live in Oxford with their two sons and attend First Baptist Church of Conyers.
Kephart will join United Bank along with Paul Courchaine, also formerly of Bank of North Georgia. Courchaine will join United Bank as a vice president and commercial lender.

United Bank is privately held, with more than 75 percent of its stock owned by its employees and directors. The bank recently relocated its main Covington branch to 7200 U.S. Highway 278, expanding services to include a driveup ATM and safe deposit boxes. The bank's assets are over $1 billion with 21 bank offices in Zebulon, Barnesville, Griffin, Thomaston, Madison, Covington, Jackson and Newnan. Chartered in 1905, the bank employs more than 400 employees with a strong focus on community involvement and customer relationships.