BATON ROUGE, La. (March 2, 2026)— Hancock Whitney, one of America’s strongest, safest banks, is continuing to invest in the growth and success of the Baton Rouge region with the addition of three accomplished banking professionals—Joanie Netterville Montelaro, Patrick Danna, and Katie Gibbons. All three bring deep industry expertise, strong client relationships, and decades of combined experience, reinforcing Hancock Whitney’s long-standing commitment to helping businesses, families, and communities across South Louisiana thrive.
“We are committed to strengthening our presence and deepening our relationships across the Baton Rouge region. Joanie, Patrick, and Katie each bring exceptional experience, strong community ties, and a proven ability to help clients navigate complex financial decisions,” says Hancock Whitney Baton Rouge Regional President Robert Stuart. “Their leadership elevates our team and enhances the level of partnership we can offer to businesses, families, and individuals throughout South Louisiana.”
Welcoming Established Bankers
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Joanie Montelaro
SVP, Middle Market Banker
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Joanie Neterville Montelaro brings more than 25 years of commercial and middle market banking experience to Hancock Whitney. Known throughout Baton Rouge as a strategic leader and client advocate, she joins the team after serving as Commercial Banking Director at b1Bank. Her career also includes seven years with Regions Bank, where she led the Business & Community Banking Group for South Louisiana, and five years as Market President for a local community bank.
A Baton Rouge native, Joanie holds a finance degree from LSU and is a graduate of the LSU Graduate School of Banking and the Baton Rouge Chamber Leadership Program. A past Influential Woman in Business honoree, she remains deeply engaged in her community through organizations such as Capital Area United Way and The Life of a Single Mom.
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Patrick Danna
VP, Middle Market Banker
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Patrick Danna joins Hancock Whitney with more than 18 years of commercial banking experience, strengthening Hancock Whitney’s ability to serve middle‑market businesses across the region. Patrick began his banking career in 2008 after earning both his undergraduate degree in business and his MBA from LSU. His background includes portfolio management, credit, and relationship development, giving him a broad understanding of the financial challenges and growth opportunities facing today’s commercial clients.
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 Katie Gibbons
VP, Private Banker
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Katie Gibbons adds nearly 25 years of experience serving high‑net‑worth individuals, families, and business owners. A Baton Rouge native, she is known for her thoughtful, relationship‑driven approach, helping clients navigate complex decisions with clarity and confidence. Katie’s career blends financial consulting, entrepreneurial experience, and advisory leadership. She holds a marketing degree from LSU and a certification in Organizational Improvement from the University of Texas. Recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 honoree, Katie is also actively involved in local initiatives supporting financial literacy, nonprofit governance, and community leadership.
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About Hancock Whitney
Since the late 1800s, Hancock Whitney has embodied core values of Honor & Integrity, Strength& Stability, and Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. Hancock Whitney 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. More information is available at www.hancockwhitney.com.
