NEWS - Local Breaking News

United Community Bank announces that UCB-Savannah President, Mike Lee, will retire after 40 years in banking, effective at the end of 2010. Concurrently, Gene Gibson has joined the bank as CEO of United Community Bank – Savannah, with Lee assuming the role of Vice Chairman.

In addition, Deepika Paul, currently Senior Vice President, has been promoted to Executive Vice President.

Mike Lee began his banking career in 1970 and held a number of positions at various banks in Tennessee and Savannah before joining United Community Bank in 1993.

“I have seen a lot of things and a good number of changes in my 40 years in the banking industry,” Lee said. “My work at United Community Bank has certainly been one of the highlights of my career. As I look back at the progress this group of bankers has made here in Savannah, I have nothing but pride for them and satisfaction for all we have been able to achieve to make United Community Bank a leader in this market.”

Gene Gibson joins United from Regions Bank where he most recently served as the Savannah Market President. Gibson has been in the Savannah market for 10 years and actively serves in the community. Among several volunteer roles, he currently serves as the Council President for the Coastal Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Gibson holds a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi State University, and a Bachelor of Science from University of North Texas. He also is an alumnus of Leadership Savannah.

“I am extremely happy and fortunate to assume the leadership role for a bank that has such a strong, positive reputation in the Savannah region, and that clearly is a pacesetter in both its banking services and its commitment to customer care,” Gibson says. “I’m confident that with the team of bankers we have in place, we will be able to build upon the relationships and services that United has established and take the bank to the next level.”

Deepika Paul has been with United Community Bank since April, 2004. Prior to joining United she served as Business Services Officer for BB&T, and also held various positions with AmeriBank/Century South Bank since beginning her banking career in 1990.

She holds an M.S. and Ph.D. in Microbiology from Northwestern University, and is a graduate of Ferguson College where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

Paul’s extensive community involvement includes current board membership on the Coastal Area District Development, current Treasurer of the Chatham Commerce Club, and current Advisory Board Member of Savannah State University College of Business Administration. She previously has been President of the Oglethorpe Business and Professional Women’s Club, Board Member of New Hope of Savannah, President of the Savannah Sunrise Rotary Club, and Board President of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Paul is an alumnus of Leadership Savannah.

“Deepika’s commitment to service both inside and outside of the bank and in the community has earned her this well-deserved recognition,” says Guy Freeman, UCB Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “She is an integral part of the success of our bank and of the Savannah educational, civic and non-profit communities.

“Building on Mike Lee’s leadership over the past 17 years, the addition of Gene Gibson, will help us to exceed the high expectations we have for United Community Bank in Savannah. The team of bankers we have in place in Savannah is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable not only in Savannah, but in the entire Southeast.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Gene’s expertise assume the helm at United in Savannah,” Freeman continued. “His years of proven experience in building customer relationships will be invaluable to our bank as we move forward in the years to come.”