A veteran Gainesville banker has been named president of the Gainesville division of First Century Bank.

Kurt Hansen, a former senior vice president of Gainesville Bank & Trust, was named to the post by William Blanton, chairman of First Century. Hansen also will serve on the bank’s board of directors.

"Kurt’s 20 years of diverse experience in the banking business makes him the obvious choice to lead FCB," Blanton said. "He knows the marketplace, the people here and has the respect of the community. His business acumen will aid FCB in moving forward with our growth plans."

A graduate of Oglethorpe University with a bachelor of arts degree in business administration and behavioral science, Hansen began his banking career with Wachovia Bank. For 14 years, he worked in various aspects of banking, from wealth management relationship manager and regional sales manager for retail to numerous positions in branch management.

He worked for three years at BB&T, moving to Hall County where he eventually held the title of senior vice president and state director of wealth management for the bank.

Most recently, he worked for three years at GB&T as senior vice president and retail banking manager.

"I wanted to be at a local bank where I could be a part of the community, and this allows me to do that," Hansen said. "The banking industry is going through some challenges, but Hall County has a bright future."

Hansen, who holds the certified financial planner designation, is currently attending the Stonier Graduate School of Banking through the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a graduate of Leadership Hall.

Hansen serves on the Gainesville State College Foundation and the Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Gainesville.

Formerly known as National Bank of Gainesville, First Century Bank has its headquarters on Dorsey Street in Gainesville and has recently expanded to Oakwood and Athens.