United Community selects insider as Tenn. state president

United Community Banks in Greenville, S.C., has tapped an insider to become its next state president for Tennessee.

The $24 billion-asset company said in a press release that John Wilson had succeeded DeVan Ard, who passed away in June. 

DeVan Ard, who founded Reliant Bank in Brentwood, Tenn., orchestrated its sale in January to United Community. Wilson had been Reliant's president.

"Due to [Ard's] capable leadership and his team of talented bankers, Reliant received many accolades and was recognized as one of the top places to work and a top performing community bank,” Lynn Harton, United’s chairman and CEO, said in the release. 

“DeVan was an incredible partner, and we were fortunate to have him as part of the United team,” Harton added. “He put his all into making our partnership successful and we could not be more appreciative.”