Hancock Whitney Names Community Development Advisory Council Members

Team of top leaders to guide banks in creating more opportunities for underserved communities

Hancock Whitney –one of America’s strongest, safest banks—has named some of the Gulf South’s most accomplished and influential housing, small business, economic development, and media professionals to the bank’s Community Development Advisory Council. The 19-member council provides guidance and advice to help the bank recognize and develop new opportunities to further financial and economic health for individuals, businesses, communities, and other stakeholders.

“The Hancock Whitney Community Development Advisory Council comprises an energized group of business and community leaders who will play a key role in charting our region’s economic future,” said Hancock Whitney Ashley Aubrey Harrison, Senior Vice President and Director of Community & Economic Development. “Their deep knowledge of the challenges some of our community’s face for affordable housing, small businesses growth and economic stability will be invaluable to our ongoing efforts. Their expertise will help us understand how we can facilitate solutions that empower individuals, families, and businesses to build and protect a more secure financial future and a better quality of life.”

Newly appointed and continuing members include:

National Members 

• C. Renee Wilson, National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), Executive Director

• Mayra Pineda, Louisiana Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO

Alabama State Members

• Rebecca Byrne, The Community Foundation of South Alabama, President & CEO

Louisiana State Members

• Calvin Mackie, STEMNOLA, CEO & Founder

• David Francis, Verite News, Executive Director

• Heather Blanchard, United Way of Acadiana, President & CEO

• Helena Cunningham, National Housing Consulting Services, CEO & Founder

• Judy Reese Morse, Urban League of Louisiana, President and CEO

• Nicole Barnes, Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative, Executive Director

Texas State Members

• Kathy Flanagan Payton, Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corp., President & CEO

• Linda Toyota, Texas, Nonprofit Executive 

• Monica Medina, Austin Housing Conservancy, President

• Shelia Lucas, Dallas Chapter President, NAREB 

Florida State Members

• Dr. Irvin PeDro Cohen, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Jacksonville, Executive Director

• Dr. Kanika Tomalin, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, President & CEO

• Joyce Cotton, WEDU PBS TV, Director of Marketing & Community Partnerships 

Mississippi State Members

• Angel Greer, Coastal Family Health Center, CEO

• Rip Daniels, JZ 94.5, CEO and Host

• Sharon Nicholls, Small Business Development Center, MS State Director