CEO Spotlight – Tom Deison, Hancock Whitney

Hancock Whitney, one of America’s strongest and safest banks, is a 120-plus-year-old financial institution providing premier service throughout the Gulf South region. New to the organization, Tom Deison brings a fresh perspective as Hancock Whitney Tallahassee Market President. In his role, he provides leadership and management oversight for the bank’s three financial centers in the capital city, as well as strategic initiatives throughout the Big Bend region.

Deison came to Hancock Whitney with a long professional and personal history in Tallahassee banking which includes leadership in First South Bank before that institution sold to BB&T in 2002. Most recently, he was a financial advisor with the Tallahassee based Barnes Capital Group, advising clients, employers and plan sponsors about group benefits and retirement planning. He was previously a partner with Regional Capital Fund, LLLP, where he managed day-to-day operations of the fund and selected the fund’s real estate investments.

Deison earned his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Alabama, holds an MBA from Florida State University and graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. Active in many community groups, he is a Leadership Tallahassee alumnus and a member of the Tallahassee Exchange Club.

Under Deison’s leadership, Hancock Whitney has seen incredible growth and promise since he came to the bank in July 2019. Most recently, financial veteran Paul Sullivan joined the Hancock Whitney team after a 25+ year career with BB&T. The addition of Paul expands the bank’s already proven leadership and expertise in the Tallahassee and Big Bend region.

“I am proud to serve as the leader of Hancock Whitney’s operations in Tallahassee,” said Tom. “I couldn’t be prouder of our powerhouse team of seasoned bankers and the work they continue to do in our community.”

Hancock Whitney has a long history rooted in the tradition of providing warm 5-star service and strong financial leadership. While the organization continues to grow, their commitment to the communities they serve has remained at the core of their work, every day.

The company’s board of directors and executive management have worked closely with local associates to grow the organization meticulously throughout the five-state footprint and strategically powered its markets with the strongest financial leaders and experts in the field.

“Greater Tallahassee has been integral to Hancock Whitney’s strategic growth and a priority market in which we want to help people, businesses and nonprofits succeed, said Hancock Whitney President and CEO John M. Hairston. “We’re honored to serve the Big Bend and consider it a great privilege to partner with so many clients and agencies contributing to the capital city’s strong economy and the region’s vitality. Our local bankers are the real stars in making good things happen daily.”

Hairston has had a continual focus on helping people, businesses and communities achieve their financial goals throughout his 13-year tenure as CEO and since joining the bank as Chief Operating Officer more than 25 years ago. As banking continues to change and become more complex, he, the board, fellow executives and the bank’s nearly 4,000 associates have ensured Hancock Whitney will always be leading the way with innovation and most importantly, client service.

Providing myriad financial services from traditional banking, business and commercial banking, corporate banking and trust and investment banking to private banking, wealth services, healthcare banking, mortgage services and certain insurance services, Hancock Whitney offers comprehensive options backed by top-notch expertise to ensure you and your business have the tools to thrive.

Call your local Hancock Whitney financial professional today to schedule an appointment and learn how they can help you achieve your goals and dreams.