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As part of the Hancock Chamber’s 100th anniversary celebration, we are honored to recognize Hancock Whitney as Business of the Century and Leo W. Seal Jr as Citizen of the Century.

Hancock Whitney is Business of the Century

On Thursday, CEO John Hairston and COO Shane Loper will join other members of the Hancock Whitney team to accept the Business of the Century award.

With roots in 1883 and 1899, Whitney National Bank and Hancock County Bank were founded to serve communities in times of growth and challenge. Visionaries like the first Chamber President Horatio S. Weston and Leo W. Seal laid the groundwork for one of the nation’s most respected financial institutions. In 2011, Hancock Bank and Whitney National Bank united, completing a connection begun more than a century earlier. Today, Hancock Whitney stands among America’s strongest and safest banks—carrying forward over 125 years of stability, service, and strength. A remarkable achievement, and a fitting recognition as Business of the Century.

The early 20th century ties among bankers at Hancock County Bank, Bank of Orleans, and Whitney Bank cemented the core values, client service, and community commitment that gave rise to the 21st century Hancock Whitney organization. Today, offices and financial centers in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas offer comprehensive financial products and services, including traditional and online banking; commercial and small business banking; private banking; trust and investment services; healthcare banking; and mortgage services. The company also operates combined loan and deposit production offices in the greater metropolitan areas of Nashville, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia.

The founders of Hancock Whitney saw the need for a bank built to last—a resilient institution anchored in core values of Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. They forged business foundations from the character and community that distinguish the Gulf South. They looked ahead of their own day, laying foundations for a culture that would endure, a way of thinking and doing rooted in uncompromising principles.

Leo W. Seal Jr. Is Citizen of the Century
With such an enduring legacy, it’s no surprise the Chamber proudly honors the late Leo W. Seal Jr.as our Citizen of the Century. On Thursday, his children Leo Seal III, Lee Seal, and Maury McCurdy will accept the award in his memory. Leo’s remarkable career spanned more than six decades. A Bay High and Mississippi State graduate—where he played football for the Bulldogs—he served his country in World War II before returning home to work in every department of Hancock Bank.

Succeeding his father, Leo W. Seal in 1963, he became president, later rising to chairman of the board and president of Hancock Holding Company, guiding the institution with vision and integrity. Under his guidance, Hancock Bank grew from a small South Mississippi bank to a regional financial services company serving a business footprint from south Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle.

Leo was a graduate of the Louisiana State University School of Banking of the South (now the Graduate School of Banking at LSU) and the Harvard University College of Business Senior Bank Management Program. A highly regarded and respected leader in the banking industry, Leo was president of the Mississippi Young Bankers Association and Mississippi Bankers Association; state vice president for the American Bankers Association; and state vice president for the Independent Bankers Association of America.

Beyond banking, he was a staunch advocate for South Mississippi as a community leader of uncommon impact—serving on countless boards and commissions including the Hancock Chamber of Commerce, championing initiatives like the INFINITY Science Center, and mentoring generations of leaders. Leo was passionate about quality education. An active alumnus and supporter of MSU, he served as vice chairman of the university’s three-year capital campaign from 1994-1997. Through his legendary generosity, often quiet, unrecognized and anonymous, he worked to make life better for local people. His legacy of generosity lives on through his family and family foundation.

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