Rhode Island-based Washington Trust Bancorp Inc., the publicly-owned holding company of The Washington Trust Co., yesterday announced the appointment of Edward "Ned" Handy as president and chief operating officer.

Handy comes to Washington Trust from Citizens Bank, where has been president of Citizens Bank, Rhode Island since 2009 and president of Citizens Bank, Connecticut, since 2010, both divisions of RBS Citizens, N.A. He will assume his new role with Washington Trust in late November 2013.

"Ned is well known within the industry and brings a wealth of regional banking experience to Washington Trust," Joseph MarcAurele, Washington Trust chairman, president and CEO, said in a statement.

Handy began his banking career as a commercial banker with Fleet National Bank. Over the past 27 years, he has served as president and CEO of Citizens subsidiary Charter One Bank of Ohio and as head of Citizens national commercial real estate finance division. He also served as a member of Citizens’ executive leadership group.

In addition to hiring Handy, Washington Trust promoted David Devault to vice chairman, secretary and chief financial officer.

Devault oversees the corporation’s financial affairs, governance matters and investment community relations. He is responsible for managing various operational areas within the organization. Devault joined Washington Trust in 1986 and has held a variety of leadership positions.