Navitas Credit Corporation, an industry leader in the equipment financing industry and a wholly owned subsidiary of United Community Banks, Inc. (NASDAQ: UCBI), announced today that Jacklynn F. Manning, CLFP has joined as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Manning succeeds Ken Sanders who has announced his retirement.

"Ken has been an invaluable leader, helping drive the company's growth and success and he will be deeply missed,” said Mike Bruman, CEO of Navitas Credit Corp. “We anticipate a seamless transition as we march boldly towards the future, fueled by the legacy he leaves behind and guided by the adept leadership of Jacklynn. As we embark on this new chapter at Navitas, our confidence remains resolute, and our commitment to excellence remains unyielding."

In 2012, Sanders joined Navitas after making indelible contributions to the equipment finance industry. He has been instrumental in guiding Navitas to its leadership position within the equipment financing landscape. His strategic insights and innovative approaches have shaped Navitas' growth and success. Throughout Sanders’ distinguished career, he has played a vital role in implementing marketing strategies and systems that support multiple sales funnels and divisions within the company.

"Throughout my years with Navitas, I've had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional teams. Witnessing the company's remarkable expansion and rise to prominence in the industry has been profoundly fulfilling,” said Sanders. “The timing is right for me to pass the marketing torch to an accomplished and experienced leader like Jacklynn. I am confident that the company will exceed its growth projections and continue to be a pivotal contributor to United's ongoing success."

Manning assumes the role of CMO with an impressive record of two decades of accomplishment in strategic, creative, and omnichannel marketing leadership. Her prior experience includes serving as Vice President of Marketing at Amur Equipment Finance, a four-year term on the National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) Board of Directors, Chief Marketing Officer at Fora Financial and has held other esteemed roles across diverse B2B and B2C industries including agency, manufacturing, and luxury retail.

"I am delighted to build on this incredible foundation that Ken has built and to become a part of this extraordinary company which boasts an impressive track record of success and financial prowess. The warm and inclusive culture, coupled with a relentless focus on customer satisfaction, truly sets this organization apart,” said Manning. “As we embark on this journey into the next phase of growth, my aim is to infuse a renewed sense of vision and vigor. We will build upon the already robust foundation, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation and crafting exceptional experiences that cater to our customer's ever-evolving needs. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, we will drive new avenues of growth and continue to solidify our position as an industry leader."

Navitas Credit Corp. currently has 200 employees and an established sales and service presence with eight locations nationwide. In February 2018, Navitas was acquired by United Community Banks, Inc., a top 100 U.S. financial institution and the financial holding company for United Community Bank (“United Community”) which has 212 offices across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

About Navitas Credit Corporation:
Navitas, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Community Bank, is a nationwide direct lender with a focus on small and medium-sized businesses that offers financing across a wide variety of asset types.  Since 2008, Navitas has remained committed to delighting its customers through exceptional service, helping to build deep relationships with buyers and sellers. As a trusted partner and funding source, Navitas provides capital to assist businesses acquire the equipment and financing they need to grow and stay competitive. www.navitascredit.com

About United Community Banks, Inc.:
United Community Banks, Inc. (NASDAQ: UCBI) is a top 100 U.S. financial institution with $26.1 billion in assets as of June 30, 2023, and through its subsidiaries, provides a full range of banking, wealth management and mortgage services. United Community Banks, Inc. is the financial holding company for United Community Bank ("United Community") which has 212 offices across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as a national SBA lending franchise and a national equipment financing subsidiary. United Community is committed to improving the financial health and well-being of its customers and ultimately the communities it serves. Among other awards, United Community is a nine-time winner of the J.D. Power award that ranked the bank #1 in customer satisfaction with consumer banking in the Southeast and was recognized in 2023 by Forbes as one of the World's Best Banks and one of America's Best Banks. The bank is also a multi-award recipient of the Greenwich Excellence Awards, including the 2022 awards for Small Business Banking-Likelihood to Recommend (South) and Overall Satisfaction (South), and was named one of the "Best Banks to Work For" by American Banker in 2022 for the sixth consecutive year. Additional information about United can be found at www.ucbi.com.

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