Guy Freeman, the chief operating officer at United Community Banks, intends to retire effective Jan. 1, the Blairsville-based bank said Friday.

United is the third-largest bank by deposits based in Georgia. The 45-year banking veteran also served as an executive vice. Freeman's responsibilities include management of United’s community banks, technology, operations and human resources, United said.

Freeman joined United in 1994. United President and CEO Jimmy Tallent said Freeman’s responsibilities will be distributed within the bank’s senior management and there are no plans to fill his position.