Jefferson L. Harralson has been named executive vice president and chief financial officer of United Community Bank, which has its headquarters in Blairsville.

Harralson will assume the duties previously held by Rex Schuette, who has served in the role of chief financial officer for the past 16 years. Earlier this year, the company announced Schuette’s intention to retire in 2017.

Harralson joins United Community Bank from Keefe, Bruyette and Woods, where he was a managing director.

Harralson received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington & Lee University and his master’s degree in finance from Georgia State University. He currently serves on Georgia State’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business Advisory Board.

Harralson currently lives in Atlanta but will move to Greenville, S.C., where he will be based.