BB&T Corp., one of the nation’s largest financial holding companies, has named Cindy Powell corporate controller. She will lead BB&T’s accounting and financial reporting functions and will report to the chief financial officer.

Powell joined BB&T in 2002 after holding positions of increasing responsibility at Ernst & Young and Wachovia. She will succeed Ed Vest, who has served as corporate controller since August 2003. Vest is stepping down for health reasons, but will continue working in his new role as senior financial executive for financial reporting and analysis, systems, and controls.

As of June 30, BB&T Corporation had $152.4 billion in assets and was the nation’s 10th largest financial holding company. Founded in 1872, it operates more than 1,850 financial centers in 13 states and Washington, D.C.