Stirling Properties’ Lewis Stirling Appointed Director of Hancock Bank’s Wealth Management Committee

COVINGTON, Louisiana —- (FEBRUARY 1, 2011) Lewis Stirling, Vice President and Partner for Stirling Properties, will serve as Director of Hancock Bank’s 2011 Wealth Management Committee alongside directors from other states.

As part of the Wealth Management Committee, Mr. Stirling will be responsible for reviewing the results of the previous quarter for Hancock Bank’s trust, investment, and insurance activities, including a recap of monthly Trust Administrative Committee (TAC) meetings.

Founded in 1899, Hancock Bank currently operates more than 180 banking and financial services offices and more than 160 ATMs in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida. Hancock Holding Company (NASDAQ: HBHC), the parent company of Hancock Bank, is headquartered in Gulfport, Mississippi.