United Community names Blake Morris as Charlotte market president, strengthens commercial team with three new hires
Morris, a Charlotte native, has built an 18-year career in the city’s banking industry after graduating from Appalachian State University. He joins United after spending nine years at F.N.B. Corporation, where he most recently served as senior vice president and Charlotte Metro business banking manager, leading a team of commercial bankers. Morris brings an extensive background in both commercial lending and investment real estate. He is active in the local community, from serving as finance chair for several nonprofits to volunteering with youth basketball and Junior Achievement.
"Blake's deep expertise in commercial and real estate lending, combined with our three new seasoned bankers, strengthens United’s commitment to the Charlotte market," said Jim Rose, North Carolina state president. "Their proven track records in relationship banking and industry knowledge will be foundational as we expand our presence and enhance our commercial banking capabilities across the region."
"United has established a strong foundation in Charlotte and I'm honored to build and lead the team to success," said Morris. "The bank's commitment to relationship-focused banking and community involvement is impressive. I look forward to building a team that will strengthen United’s presence while maintaining the exceptional service that defines our brand."
Also joining the United team in Charlotte since Blake’s arrival:
- Stephen Fletcher, senior vice president and commercial relationship manager, brings more than a decade of expertise in commercial lending. He joins United from HomeTrust Bank, where he most recently served as senior relationship manager, generating more than $4 million in new deposits in 2023. Fletcher's career also includes roles at F.N.B. Corporation, Bryn Mawr Trust and SunTrust Bank. He received a bachelor's degree in economics from Penn State University.
- Zachary Wilkie, senior vice president and commercial relationship manager, comes to United with nearly 15 years of experience in commercial banking. Wilkie joins from Pinnacle Financial Partners, where he spent the past five years as a commercial relationship manager. His career includes roles with Bank of America, Bank of North Carolina and BB&T. A Blowing Rock native, Zachary graduated from Appalachian State University with a bachelor's degree in finance and banking.
- Brooks Lucas, middle market relationship manager, brings nearly 20 years of middle market experience to his role where he will focus on leveraged, cash flow and enterprise lending for the bank. Prior to joining United, Lucas worked at Regions Securities for nearly a decade specializing in pro rata syndications and M&A advisory in the middle market. His career also includes roles with Piper Jaffray and Wells Fargo. He received an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Virginia.
About United Community Banks, Inc.
United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE: UCB) is the financial holding company for United Community, a top 100 U.S. financial institution that is committed to improving the financial health and well-being of its customers and the communities it serves. United Community provides a full range of banking, wealth management and mortgage services. As of September 30, 2024, United Community Banks, Inc. had $27.4 billion in assets, 202 offices across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as a national SBA lending franchise and a national equipment lending subsidiary. In 2024, United Community became a 10-time winner of J.D. Power’s award for the best customer satisfaction among consumer banks in the Southeast region and was recognized as the most trusted bank in the Southeast. In 2023, United was named by American Banker as one of the “Best Banks to Work For” for the seventh consecutive year and was recognized in the Greenwich Excellence and Best Brands Awards, receiving 15 awards that included national honors for overall satisfaction in small business banking and middle market banking. Forbes has also consistently listed United Community as one of the World’s Best Banks and one of America’s Best Banks. Additional information about United can be found at ucbi.com.
