MOBILE, Ala., May 17, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Reiterating the company's successful century-old strategy of relying on and preserving local leadership within its myriad Gulf South markets, Hancock Bank of Alabama's board of directors has confirmed veteran Alabama banker Jerry M. Broughton as Hancock's new Mobile market president.
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Company executives announced the decision Wednesday at noon, just 12 business days after Hancock Bank of Alabama debuted its downtown financial center at Dauphin and St. Emanuel streets. Broughton will be the designated local executive responsible for managing Hancock's continued commercial growth throughout metropolitan Mobile and the Eastern Shore.
"Jerry Broughton has been integral to the ongoing economic and civic development of Mobile and Baldwin counties for many years. His achievements as a seasoned financial professional and community volunteer are exceptional. We are very pleased to announce this decision as Hancock Bank of Alabama helps facilitate commerce and opportunities across this dynamic market," said Ed Francis, Hancock's senior corporate commercial banking executive.
As the senior commercial relationship manager for metropolitan Mobile and the Eastern Shore, Broughton has been instrumental in introducing Hancock's comprehensive lines of financial solutions to local businesses and families since joining the company in 2006. He will continue to direct Hancock's commercial business development initiatives as the company opens an anticipated six to eight new locations throughout the Mobile Bay area by 2008.
"Hancock Bank has been our neighbor on the Mississippi Coast since 1899. The company was founded on and sustains the same fundamental values that are central to our Mobile heritage. We share a history, culture, and ideology that forge strong foundations for enduring business and hometown partnerships, complemented by competitive regional resources and 108-year-old community banking traditions," said Broughton.
Broughton is a graduate of Holt High School. The University of Alabama alumnus also attended the prestigious Alabama School of Banking. A longtime volunteer with numerous community organizations, he is a member of the National Association of Realtors and serves on the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce advisory board. Broughton and his family reside in Fairhope.
Hancock's regional senior vice president for credit, Frank Meigs, will continue to manage the asset quality of the company's commercial portfolio throughout Hancock's south Alabama and the Florida Panhandle market. Hancock also recently announced appointment of local business leaders Charles E. Story, Cheryl A. Thompson, and C. Richard Wilkins as Hancock Bank of Alabama directors.
About Hancock Bank
Founded October 9, 1899, on principles of honor and integrity, strength and stability, commitment to service, teamwork, and personal responsibility, Hancock Bank operates more than 150 banking and financial services offices and 130-plus ATMs in southern Alabama, South Mississippi, the Florida Panhandle, and south central Louisiana. Hancock Holding Company (Nasdaq:HBHC) -- parent company of Hancock Bank of Alabama, Hancock Bank Mississippi, Hancock Bank of Florida, and Hancock Bank of Louisiana -- has assets of more than $6 billion. Bank subsidiaries include Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Insurance Agency, and Harrison Finance Company. Additionally, the company operates corporate trust offices in Gulfport, Jackson, MS, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge. Hancock's trust department, a division of the wealth management group, has assets of $7.4 billion, with assets under management of $2.31 billion, as of December 31, 2006.
Hancock is the only financial services company headquartered in the Gulf South to rate among the top 20 percent of America's top-performing banks and consistently ranks as one of the country's strongest, safest financial institutions, according to Veribanc, Inc., and BauerFinancial Services, Inc. Thomson Financial also recently listed Hancock as the ninth largest corporate trustee bank in the United States.
More corporate information and online banking are available at www.hancockbank.com.
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