UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )


	Filed by the Registrant x
	Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o

Check the appropriate box:

	o Preliminary Proxy Statement
	o Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
	x Definitive Proxy Statement
	o Definitive Additional Materials
	o Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

Hancock Holding Company

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)


Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

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	(1)	Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:


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(HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY LOGO)

March 2, 2009

Dear Shareholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the Company’s annual meeting on March 26, 2009. The meeting will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m., local time, at Hancock Bank, One Hancock Plaza, 2510 14^th Street, Gulfport, Mississippi.

The official Notice of Meeting, Proxy Statement and Form of Proxy are included with this letter. The matters listed in the Notice of Meeting are described in detail in the Proxy Statement.

The vote of every shareholder is important. Regardless of whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting in Gulfport, please sign, date and promptly mail your proxy. The Board of Directors and Management look forward to greeting those shareholders that are able to attend.


	Sincerely,


	George A. Schloegel
	Chairman of the Board

Hancock Holding Company
One Hancock Plaza
2510 14th Street
Gulfport, MS 39501
(228) 563-6559
March 2, 2009

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

The annual meeting of shareholders of Hancock Holding Company will be held at One Hancock Plaza, 2510 14^th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501, on March 26, 2009 at 5:30 p.m., local time for the following purposes:


1.	To elect five (5) directors to hold office for a term of three (3) years or until their successors are elected and qualified. (Item 1)

2.	To vote on approval of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, as the Independent Public Accountants for the Company. (Item 2)

Only those shareholders of record at the close of business on February 11, 2009 shall be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting or any adjournments thereof.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on March 26, 2009

Under new Securities and Exchange Commission rules, shareholders may now access Hancock Holding Company proxy materials for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on the Internet. Complete proxy materials that are provided to you in paper copy are also available for your review on the Internet and we encourage you to access and review all of the important information in the proxy materials before voting.

The proxy statement and annual report to shareholders are available at: http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/corporateprofile.aspx?iid=100308

WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING, PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND RETURN PROMPTLY THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY. IF YOU DO ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY AND VOTE IN PERSON.


By Order of the Board of Directors





George A. Schloegel	Carl J. Chaney	John M. Hairston
Chairman	President & CEO	CEO & Chief Operating Officer

Hancock Holding Company
One Hancock Plaza
2510 14th Street
Gulfport, Mississippi 39501
Proxy Statement
March 2, 2009

This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of Hancock Holding Company (the “Company” or “HHC”) for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on March 26, 2009, 5:30 p.m., local time, at Hancock Bank, One Hancock Plaza, 2510 14^th Street, Gulfport, Mississippi. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on February 11, 2009 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. It is expected the Proxy Materials will be mailed on or before March 2, 2009.

This proxy solicitation is made by the Board of Directors of HHC. Nominees are advised prior to the record date to submit their request for proxy solicitation materials, and they are shipped overnight to nominees or their designated agent for process to non-objecting beneficial owners and objecting beneficial owners.

Holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock, par value $3.33 per share (the “Common Stock”) as of February 11, 2009 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to one (1) vote on each matter presented at the Annual Meeting for shareholder approval. As of the Record Date, 31,769,679 shares of Common Stock were outstanding and entitled to vote. The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote on February 11, 2009 will constitute a quorum.

Pursuant to Mississippi Law and the Company’s Bylaws, action on a matter (other than the election of Directors) is approved if the votes cast favoring the action exceed the votes cast opposing the action, unless the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Mississippi Law specifically requires a greater number of affirmative votes on a particular matter. Abstentions and broker non-votes are only for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present at the meeting. Broker non-votes and shareholder abstentions are not counted in determining whether or not a matter has been approved by shareholders.

Pursuant to Mississippi Law and the Company’s Bylaws, directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast in the election of directors. A “plurality” means that the individuals with the largest number of favorable votes are elected as directors, up to the maximum number of directors to be chosen at the meeting.

Shareholders of the Company do not have cumulative voting rights with respect to the election of directors at the Annual Meeting. A shareholder has the right to vote the number of shares owned in the election of each director. With respect to the election of five (5) directors to hold office for the terms indicated herein, the nominees receiving the most votes, up to five (5), will be elected. If the Proxy is marked to vote for the five (5) directors as a group, one vote will be cast for each director for each share entitled to vote. If any shareholder wishes to vote for fewer than five (5) directors, they may line through or otherwise strike out the name of any nominee.

Any person giving a Proxy has the right to revoke it at any time before it is exercised. A shareholder may revoke his Proxy: (1) by personally appearing and choosing to vote at the Annual Meeting; (2) by written notification to the Company which is received prior to the exercise of the Proxy; or (3) by a subsequent Proxy executed by the person executing the prior Proxy and presented at the Annual Meeting. All properly executed Proxies, if not revoked, will be voted as directed on all matters proposed by the Board of Directors, and, if the shareholder does not direct to the contrary, the shares will be voted “FOR” Items 1 and 2, as described below.

Corporate Communications, Inc. is contracted by the Company to solicit proxy requests at a cost of approximately $3,500, plus customary expenses. The contact at Corporate Communications, Inc. is Mr. Roy Alley, 523 Third Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee 37210. He can be reached at telephone number (615) 254-3376. All nominees and brokers will be reimbursed the allowable charges as per U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. The Company will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxy materials. All requests for payment should be directed to: Hancock Holding Company, Attention Paul D. Guichet, Corporate Investor Relations Department, P.O. Box 4019, Gulfport, MS 39502. Solicitation of proxies will be primarily by mail. Officers, directors, and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, Hancock Bank, Hancock Bank of Louisiana, Hancock Bank of Florida and Hancock Bank of Alabama (hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Banks”) also may solicit Proxies personally.

Any shareholder, or their appointed agent, who has any questions concerning the procedures for voting their proxy or the annual meeting should contact the Corporate Investor Relations Department, attention Paul D. Guichet at (228) 563-6559 or 1-800-522-6542 ext. 86559.

MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS:


ITEM 1 –	ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors, by a vote of a majority of the full Board, has nominated the persons named below for election to serve as directors. The term of each five (5) newly elected directors will expire at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders as indicated or when his successor has been elected and qualified.

The Company’s Articles of Incorporation provide for a Board of at least nine (9) directors classified into three (3) classes of directors. As of December 31, 2008 the number of directors was twelve (12) accordance with the Company’s Articles of Incorporation. At each annual meeting each class of directors whose term has expired will be elected to hold office until the third succeeding annual meeting or until their successor has been elected and qualified.

It is the intent of the persons named in the Proxy to vote such Proxy “FOR” the election of the nominees listed below, unless otherwise specified in the Proxy. In the event that any such nominee should be unable to accept the office of director, which is not anticipated, it is intended that the persons named in the Proxy will vote for the election of such person in the place of such nominee as the Board of Directors may recommend.

Nominations for the election to the Board of Directors, other than those made by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, may be made by a shareholder by delivering written notice to the Company’s Corporate Secretary not less than fifty (50) nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the meeting at which directors are to be elected, provided that the Company has mailed the first notice of the meeting at least sixty (60) days prior to the meeting date. If the Company has not given such notice, shareholder nominations must be submitted within ten (10) days following the earlier of: (i) the date that notice of the date of the meeting was first mailed to the shareholders, or (ii) the date on which public disclosure of such date was made. The shareholder’s notice must set forth as to each nominee: (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of such nominee; (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such nominee; (iii) the class and number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock which are beneficially owned by such nominee; and (iv) any other information relating to such nominee that may be required under federal securities laws to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of Directors. The shareholder’s notice must also set forth as to the shareholder giving notice: (i) the name and address of such shareholder; and (ii) the class and amount of such shareholder’s beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock.

If the information supplied by the shareholder is deficient in any material aspect or if the foregoing procedure is not followed, the chairman of the Annual Meeting may determine that such shareholder’s nomination should not be brought before the meeting and that such nominee shall not be eligible for election as Director of the Company.

NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR

Alton G. Bankston - currently a Director

Additional information for Mr. Bankston can be found in the section describing directors of the Company.

John M. Hairston - currently a Director

Additional information for Mr. Hairston can be found in the section describing directors of the Company.

James H. Horne - currently a Director

Additional information for Mr. Horne can be found in the section describing directors of the Company.

Christine L. Pickering - currently a Director

Additional information for Ms. Pickering can be found in the section describing directors of the Company.

George A. Schloegel - currently a Director

Additional information for Mr. Schloegel can be found in the section describing directors of the Company.

The Board of Directors Recommends you vote FOR Item 1.


ITEM 2 –	APPROVAL OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Effective as of January 1, 2009, the Board of Directors of Hancock Holding Company (“the Company”) has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers, a firm of independent certified public accountants, as auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009, and until their successors are selected. The decision to change auditors was approved by the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors during its December, 2008 meeting.

The Company has been advised that neither the firm nor any of its partners has any direct or any material indirect financial interest in the securities of the Company or any of tis subsidiaries, except as auditors and consultants on accounting procedures and tax matters.

Additionally, during the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and through the subsequent period through the current period, there were no consultations between the Company and PricewaterhouseCooper regarding: (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements and either a written report was provided to the Company or oral advice was provided that the new accountant concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue (ii) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement under Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K, or a reportable event under Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K; or (iii) any other matter.

Although not required to do so, the Company’s Board of Directors has chosen to submit its appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers for ratification by the Company’s shareholders. This matter is being submitted to the Company’s shareholders for ratification during the Company’s annual meeting to be held on March 26, 2009 as more fully described in the Company’s proxy statement to be filed with the Commission.

No Adverse Opinion or Disagreement

The audit reports of KPMG LLP on the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except as follows: KPMG LLP’s report on the consolidated financial statements of Hancock Holding Company as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, contained a separate paragraph stating that “As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for defined benefit pension postretirement benefit plans effective December 31, 2006,” and additionally as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007, contained a separate paragraph stating that “As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for share based payments and evaluating prior year misstatements effective January 1, 2006”. The audit reports of KPMG LLP on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

In connection with the audits of the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the subsequent period through the current period, there were no: (1) disagreements with KPMG LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or precedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to their satisfication, would have caused them to make reference in connection with their opinion to the subject matter of the disagreement, or (2) reportable events.

The Board of Directors Recommends you vote FOR Item 2.

DIRECTORS OF HHC

Note: * indicates independent director under the independence standards applicable to the Company.

Alton G. Bankston*

Director of the Company since 2005. Retired Owner of Bankston Paint Center, Inc., Biloxi, Mississippi. Former President of the Greater Biloxi Economic Foundation. Member of the University of Southern Mississippi President’s Advisory Board and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Board. An Advisory Director of Hancock Bank since 1995.

Term of Office: For a three-year period to expire 2012.
Age: 67

Frank E. Bertucci*

Director of the Company since 2000. Since 1978, Mr. Bertucci has been employed with F.E.B. Distributing Co., Inc., a regional beverage wholesaler and currently serves as its President. An Advisory Director of Hancock Bank since 1995.

Term of Office: For a three-year period to expire 2011.
Age: 52

Carl J. Chaney

Director of the Company since 2006. Named President, Hancock Holding Company in 2008; Chief Executive Officer, Hancock Holding Company since 2006; Served as Chief Financial Officer from 1998 to 2006; Executive Vice President of the Company, Hancock Bank, Gulfport, Mississippi and Hancock Bank of Louisiana in 1998; Director of Hancock Bank of Florida since 2003 and Hancock Bank of Alabama since 2007.

Term of Office: For a three-year period to expire in 2011.
Age: 47

Don P. Descant *

Director of the Company since 2005. President of M.D. Descant Inc. Former President of the Louisiana Association of General Contractors. Vice Chairman of Bunkie General Hospital and former President of the Bunkie Chamber of Commerce. Director of Hancock Bank of Louisiana since 1995.

Term of Office: For a three-year period to expire in 2010.
Age: 60

James B. Estabrook, Jr.*

Director of the Company since 1995. Mr. Estabrook’s principal occupation has been as President of Estabrook Motor Co., Inc. since 1967. Mr. Estabrook also serves in the capacities at the companies indicated: President of Weaver Motor Co., Inc. (Automobile Dealerships); President of Auto Credit, Inc. (Auto Finance Business); General Partner, Estabrook Properties, LP (Real Estate Business); Vice President, Falcon Leasing and Rental, Inc., (Daily Rental Automobile Business) Pascagoula, Mississippi; and an Advisory Director of Hancock Bank since 1985.

Term of Office: For a three-year period to expire in 2010.
Age: 64

John H. Hairston

Director of the Company since 2006. Named Chief Operating Officer, Hancock Holding Company in 2008; Chief Executive Officer, Hancock Holding Company since 2006; Chief Operations Officer from 1994 to 2006; Executive Vice President of the Company, Hancock Bank, Gulfport, Mississippi, and Hancock Bank of Louisiana since 1994; an Advisory Director of Hancock Bank of Florida since 2003.

Term of Office: For a two-year period to expire in 2012.
Age: 45

James H. Horne*

Director of the Company since 2000. Mr. Horne is owner of Capital Properties, Inc. and Valuation Specialist, Inc., specializing in real estate development and appraisal for over 20 years. Mr. Horne is also President of Ocean Springs Self Storage, Inc., Ocean Springs, Mississippi; President of Gulfport Self Storage, Inc., Gulfport, Mississippi; President of Grelot Self Storage, Inc., Gautier, Mississippi; Gautier Self Storage, Inc., Gautier, Mississippi; Market Street Properties (Self Storage Business), Biloxi, Mississippi. An Advisory Director of Hancock Bank since 1995.

Term of Office: For a three-year period to expire 2012.
Age: 56

John H. Pace*

Director of the Company since 2005. Chairman of the Board Hancock Bank of Louisiana since 2005. Retired President of Interstate Companies of Louisiana, Inc. Chairman of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Hospital Capital Fund. Director of Hancock Bank of Louisiana since 1990; an Advisory Director of Hancock Bank since 2002.

Term of Office: For a three-year period to expire in 2011.
Age: 78

Christine L. Pickering*

Director of the Company since 2000. Ms. Pickering is a Certified Public Accountant and owner of Christy Pickering, CPA since 1991. An Advisory Director of Hancock Bank since 1995. Director of Mississippi Power Company, Gulfport, MS.

Term of Office: For a three-year period to expire in 2012.
Age: 48

Robert W. Roseberry

Director of the Company since 2001. Retired, former President of Northern Division of Hancock Bank, Gulfport, Mississippi, from 2001 to 2007. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lamar Capital Corporation from 1998 to 2001. President and Chief Executive Officer of Lamar Bank from 1986 to 1998. Mr. Roseberry served in various capacities with Lamar Bank from 1971 to 1986. Director of Lamar Bank since 1972.

Term of Office: For a three-year period to expire in 2010.
Age: 58

George A. Schloegel

Director of the Company since 1984. Named Chairman of the Board, Hancock Holding Company in 2006; Vice Chairman from 1984 to 2006 and Chief Executive Officer from 2000 to 2006; President, Hancock Bank, Gulfport, Mississippi from 1990 to 2008; Director of Hancock Bank of Louisiana since 1990 and Hancock Bank of Alabama since 2007; an Advisory Director of Hancock Bank of Florida since 2003. Director

of Mississippi Power Company, Gulfport, Mississippi. Mr. Schloegel was employed part-time with Hancock Bank from 1956-1959 and began full-time employment in 1962.

Term of Office: For a three-year period to expire in 2012.
Age: 68

Anthony J. Topazi*

Director of the Company since 2007. Mr. Topazi is President and Chief Executive Officer, Mississippi Power Company since 2004. An Advisory Director of Hancock Bank since 2004.

Term of Office: For a three-year period to expire in 2010.
Age: 58

George A. Schloegel and Christine L. Pickering are directors of Mississippi Power Company, Gulfport, Mississippi. None of the other directors of the Company are directors of another company with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or subject to the reporting requirements of Section 15(d) of the Act, or registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

A majority of the Company’s directors are independent as defined in NASDAQ Global Listing Standards. No family relationship exists between any directors, executive officers, or persons nominated to become a director of the Company.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock of the Company. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders are required to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To the Company’s knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, one Section 16(a) filing deadline was missed by Mr. Saik relating to the sale of 5,800 shares of the Company’s stock on September 26, 2008. The late filing was an accidental oversight.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

The following table sets forth information concerning the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company held as of December 31, 2008 by the only shareholders who are known to management to be the beneficial owners of more than five percent (5%) of the Company’s outstanding shares:

Name and address of Beneficial Owner	Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership (1) of Common Stock	Percent Of Class

Hancock Bank Trust Department One Hancock Plaza Gulfport, Mississippi 39501	2,711,361.3(1)	8.53%



Estate of Leo W. Seal, Jr. One Hancock Plaza Gulfport, Mississippi 39501	3,739,445(2)	11.77%


(1) Consists of shares held and voted by the Hancock Bank Trust Department as trustees for 60 different accounts. Within these 60 accounts, the Trust Department has sole voting rights on 2,711,361.3 shares. The Trust Department of the Bank has the sole right to dispose of 2,406,831.4 shares and the shared right to dispose of 304,529.9 shares.

(2) Former President of Hancock Holding Company and Chairman of Hancock Bank, Mr. Leo W. Seal, Jr. passed away on November 17, 2008. Above referenced shares are held in the Company’s Trust Department with Hancock Bank named as Trustee include 360,000 shares held in a marital trust, 2,074,977 held by Mr. Seal’s estate, and 1,304,468 shares held in fiduciary capacity for the benefit of Mr. Seal’s sister and her children. Hancock Bank is trustee for the above referenced shares with the exception of shares held by Mr. Seal’s spouse.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
(As of February 9, 2009)


Name of Beneficial Owner	Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership (1) of Common Stock		Percent of Class

Directors
Alton G. Bankston	5,122	(2)	0.02	%
Frank E. Bertucci	3,789	(3)	0.01	%
Joseph F. Boardman, Jr.	32,178	(4)	0.10	%
Carl J. Chaney	158,690	(5)	0.50	%
Don P. Descant	5,077	(1)	0.02	%
James B. Estabrook, Jr.	15,677	(6)	0.05	%
John M. Hairston	181,688	(7)	0.57	%
James H. Horne	42,910	(8)	0.14	%
John H. Pace	5,312	(9)	0.02	%
Christine L. Pickering	5,241	(10)	0.02	%
Robert W. Roseberry	145,638	(11)	0.46	%
George A. Schloegel	594,062	(12)	1.87	%
Anthony J. Topazi	1,290	(13)	0.004	%

Executive Officers
Michael M. Achary	31,773	(14)	0.10	%
Edward G. Francis	34,263	(15)	0.11	%
Richard T. Hill	44,163	(16)	0.14	%
D. Shane Loper	43,837	(17)	0.14	%
Joy Lambert Phillips	36,549	(18)	0.12	%
Alfred G. Rath	38,212	(19)	0.12	%
Clifton J. Saik	61,235	(20)	0.19	%
Robert A. Seals	35,544	(21)	0.11	%
Directors and Executive Officers	1,522,250	(22)	4.70	%



(1)	Constitutes sole ownership unless otherwise indicated.

(2)	Includes 2,389 shares held jointly with Mr. Bankston’s spouse and 1,734 shares held in the Company’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan.

(3)	Includes 3,366 shares held in the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

(4)	Includes 13,200 shares held by Mr. Boardman’s spouse.

(5)	Includes 16,700 shares held by Mr. Chaney’s spouse; 200 shares held jointly by Mr. Chaney and his spouse; 21 shares held jointly by Mr. Chaney and his spouse in the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan; 680 shares for the benefit of Mr. Chaney’s children; 5,670 shares in the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan; 1,119 shares held in the Company’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan; 72,000 options and 6,000 restricted stock awards granted to Mr. Chaney in the 1996 LTIP; 27,322 options and 5,784 restricted stock awards, and 2,729 performance stock awards and 42 deferred performance stock units granted in the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2005 LTIP”).

(6)	Includes 7,567 shares held in the Company’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan.

(7)	Includes 332 shares for the benefit of Mr. Hairston’s children; 2,224 shares held in the Company’s 401(k) plan; 1,546 shares held in the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan; 811 shares held in the Company’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan; 83,998 options and 6,000 restricted stock awards granted to Mr. Hairston in the 1996 LTIP; 27,322 options and 6,195 restricted stock awards and 1,555 performance stock awards and 1,216 deferred performance stock units granted in the 2005 LTIP.

(8)	Includes 1,395 shares held by Mr. Horne’s spouse in an IRA; 2,442 shares held in an IRA; 395 shares owned jointly by Mr. Horne and his spouse; 1,440 shares owned by Mr. Horne’s children; 4,280 shares held jointly with Mr. Horne’s spouse in the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan; 7,223 shares held in the Company’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan; and 25,736 shares held by companies Mr. Horne holds a majority or partial interest.

(9)	Includes 2,560 shares held in the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan and 2,338 shares held in the Company’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan.

(10)	Includes 200 shares held by Ms. Pickering’s spouse in an IRA; 1,169 shares held in an IRA; 166 shares held in the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan; 3,291 shares held in the Company’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan.

(11)	Includes 14,776 shares held by Mr. Roseberry’s spouse; 19,313 shares held jointly with Mr. Roseberry’s spouse; 18,728 shares held jointly with Mr. Roseberry’s children.

(12)	Includes 112,952 shares held jointly by Mr. Schloegel and his spouse; 621 shares owned directly by Mr. Schloegel’s spouse; 3,075 shares held in an IRA; 12,040 shares held in the Company’s 401(k) plan; 2,523 shares held in the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan; 15,000 options granted to Mr. Schloegel in the 1996 LTIP.

(13)	Includes 900 shares held jointly with Mr. Topazi’s spouse and 390 shares in the Company’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan.

(14)	Includes 3,103 shares held in an IRA; 482 shares held in the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan; 2,637 shares held in the Company’s 401(k) plan; 7,500 options and 2,200 restricted stock awards granted to Mr. Achary in the 1996 LTIP; 11,179 options and 2,884 restricted stock awards and 1,162 performance stock awards granted in the 2005 LTIP.


(15)	Includes 300 shares held in an IRA; 3,167 shares held in the Company’s 401(k) plan; 323 shares held in the Company’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan; 12,500 options and 2,200 restricted stock awards granted to Mr. Francis in the 1996 LTIP; 10,728 options and 2,675 restricted stock, and 1,048 performance stock awards granted in the 2005 LTIP.

(16)	Includes 6,394 shares held in the Company’s 401(k) plan; 464 shares held in the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan; 596 shares held in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan; 9,000 options and 3,000 restricted stock awards granted to Mr. Hill in the 1996 LTIP; 10,728 options, 2,801 restricted stock awards and 1,129 performance stock awards granted in the 2005 LTIP.

(17)	Includes 145 shares held by Mr. Loper’s spouse; 2,067 shares held in the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan; 96 shares held in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan; 304 shares held in the Company’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan; 23,500 options and 2,500 restricted stock awards granted to Mr. Loper in the 1996 LTIP; 11,179 options, 2,884 restricted stock awards and 212 performance stock awards and 950 deferred performance stock units granted in the 2005 LTIP.

(18)	Includes 150 shares held by Ms. Phillip’s spouse; 172 shares held in the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan; 1,992 shares held in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan; 1,022 shares held in the Company’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan; 20,600 options and 1,300 restricted stock awards granted to Ms. Phillips in the 1996 LTIP; 6,050 options and 1,632 restricted stock awards and 828 performance stock awards and 49 deferred performance stock units granted in the 2005 LTIP.

(19)	Includes 13,724 shares held jointly with Mr. Rath’s spouse; 289 shares held for the benefit of Mr. Rath’s child; 1,141 shares held in an IRA; 5,400 options and 3,000 restricted stock awards granted to Mr. Rath in the 1996 LTIP; 10,728 options and 2,801 restricted stock awards and 1,129 performance stock awards granted in the 2005 LTIP.

(20)	Includes 63 shares held by Mr. Saik’s children; 4 shares held in the Company’s 401(k) plan; 42,000 options and 3,000 restricted stock awards granted to Mr. Saik in the 1996 LTIP; 10,936 options and 3,063 restricted stock awards and 1,234 performance stock awards granted in the 2005 LTIP.

(21)	Includes 500 shares held in an IRA; 3,085 shares held in the Company’s 401(k) plan; 6,228 shares held in the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan; 27 shares held in the Company’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan; 19,200 options and 600 restricted stock awards granted to Mr. Seals in the 1996 LTIP; 4,396 options, 1,075 restricted stock awards and 433 performance stock awards granted in the 2005 LTIP.

(22)	Includes all shares held as a group by all the Company Directors and Executive Officers. This group consists of 21 persons.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) describes the Company’s compensation philosophy, policies, and practices for 2008 as applicable to the Company’s executives, including the Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”). The CD&A describes the structure and rationale associated with each material element of the NEOs’ total compensation, addresses the reason for employing each compensation element, and explains the relationship between each element; also, the CD&A provides important context for the detailed disclosure tables which specify compensation amounts provided following the CD&A.

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES

The central principle of the Company’s compensation philosophy is that executive compensation should be aligned with enhancing shareholder value and determined primarily by overall Company performance. The Board of Directors (the “Board”) and the Executive Management team are charged with the purpose of providing financial services to our communities, facilitating commerce and creating opportunities for people. Hancock has adopted a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy which seeks to serve as a representative model for executive compensation among high-performing banks in the financial services industry. To implement this pay-for-performance approach, the Company ties compensation to include incentives directly to specific performance targets which are defined through the annual budgeting process and approved by the Board and the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”). The Company’s goal is to establish a comprehensive pay-for-performance program to support Hancock’s strategic plan.

The Company’s executive compensation programs are designed to achieve the following primary objectives:


	•	Drive performance relative to the Company’s financial goals, balancing short-term and intermediate operational objectives with long-term strategic goals;

	•	Align executives’ long-term interests with those of shareholders;

	•	Attract and retain the highly-qualified executives needed to achieve the Company’s goals and to maintain a stable executive management group;

	•	Deliver compensation efficiently, providing value to the executive at the least possible cost to the bank;

	•	Allow flexibility in responding to changing laws, accounting standards, and business needs, as well as the constraints and dynamic conditions in the Gulf Coast banking market; and

	•	Place a significant portion of total compensation at risk, contingent on Company performance.

The Company’s compensation program is designed to serve as a team-based compensation structure that focuses on consistency of total compensation among the top executive group. The Company strives to achieve a market position for an executive’s total compensation at approximately the upper quartile of a peer group of comparably-sized top quartile and regional financial institutions assuming the Company’s performance is performing consistently with that peer group. The Company believes that this positioning is appropriate to attract and retain top-caliber talent in a very competitive national market. The competitive positioning of compensation at the upper quartile of the market is comparable to the expected competitive positioning of the Company’s financial performance against high performing financial institutions.

The Company desires to create short-term and long-term incentive opportunities for Executive Management. Over the long-term, Hancock seeks to align Executive Management interests with those of the shareholders’ by establishing equity ownership opportunities. For members of the Executive Management team, the cash portion of compensation is tied directly to the Company’s budgeted net income and average loan and deposit growth as specified in the Management Incentive Plan. In addition, the Company uses the following performance objectives to determine compensation levels: Return on Assets, Return on Equity, Net Interest Margin, Efficiency Ratio, After Tax Net Income and Peer Bank comparisons. For performance above target levels, the Company pays compensation above the median level of the market. Consistent with the philosophy of linking compensation to performance, the Company’s compensation plans are designed to position total executive compensation at approximately the upper quartile of the peer group when the Company performance achieves its maximum incentive goals and meets or exceeds peer performance. The maximum incentive goals are generally set at levels comparable to the upper quartile of peer financial performance and take into account the Company’s strategic goals.

COMPENSATION-RELATED GOVERNANCE AND ROLE OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Committee Charter and Members

The primary purpose of the Committee is to aid the Board in discharging its responsibilities relating to the compensation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officers (“CEOs”) and other executive officers of the Company and its subsidiaries having the rank of Executive Vice President or higher and who report directly to the CEOs. The Committee has overall responsibility for evaluating and approving the Company’s compensation plans, policies and programs. In performing its oversight role, the Committee considers and discusses the CD&A with executive management and recommends annually to the Board whether the CD&A should be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the current fiscal year. The Compensation Committee Charter, which further outlines the Committee’s responsibilities and duties, appears on the Company’s website under Investor Relations - Corporate Governance - Committee Charters. The Compensation Committee Charter is available in print upon request from Paul D. Guichet, Vice President, Corporate Investor Relations. As of December 31, 2008, the members of the Company’s Compensation Committee were Frank E. Bertucci (Chair), Don P. Descant, and Anthony J. Topazi, each of whom is “independent” within the meaning of NASDAQ’s Global Listing Standards, is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Interaction with Consultants

The Committee has historically engaged compensation consultants and advisors to provide input on both Board and executive compensation issues. In 2008, the Committee used Grant-Thornton, LLP, a nationally recognized compensation consultant, to conduct an executive and director compensation study of approximately twenty (20) top-quartile and regional banking institutions in order to establish benchmarks for reviewing executive and director compensation. This information was used by Committee to ensure total compensation of the executive officers is consistent with the Committee’s philosophy and with peers given comparable performance to peers.

In order to determine compensation levels for the NEOs the committee uses the peer study and the Committee’s own deliberations on the executive’s performance and contribution to the organization. In keeping with the Committee’s operating policy, an external executive compensation study is conducted every two years and includes a review of available peer proxy information to include base salary, cash bonus, equity grants, perquisites, and all other forms of compensation to the executive.

Role of Executives in Compensation Committee Deliberations

The Committee frequently requests the CEOs to be present at Committee meetings to discuss executive compensation and evaluate Company and individual performance. In addition, the Committee works closely with the Corporate Human Resources Director who provides administrative support to the Committee as requested. Occasionally, other executives may attend a Committee meeting to provide pertinent financial, tax, accounting, or operational information. Executives in attendance may provide their insights and suggestions, but only independent Committee members may vote on decisions regarding executive compensation.

The Committee discusses the CEOs’ compensation and performance conferring with them on substantive matters involving Company performance, preferences as to types of compensation, and the relationship between elements of compensation. However, final deliberations and all votes regarding their compensation are made in executive session, without the CEOs present. The Committee also determines the compensation for the other NEOs, based on the CEOs’ input and the evaluation of executive and Company performance.

Compensation Committee Activity

In 2008, the Committee met nine (9) times and took the actions listed below. Specific recommendations and compensation changes are discussed elsewhere in the CD&A under “COMPENSATION FRAMEWORK – Pay Components”.


	•	Reviewed and affirmed the Committee charter and the corporate compensation philosophy;

	•	Reviewed and approved the 2007 Management Incentive Plan corporate component funding level;

	•	Reviewed and approved the plan framework and corporate component metrics for the 2008 Management Incentive Plan;

	•	Reviewed the company’s progress against the 2008 Management Incentive Plan throughout the year;

	•	Reviewed and approved the 2008 equity grants to executive officers and the overall grant level for all other associates;

	•	Reviewed and approved adjustments to the CEOs and other NEOs base compensation;

	•	Reviewed and approved the granting of $15,000 in equity based on findings in the Grant-Thornton director compensation study for each board member furthering the board’s alignment with shareholders and enhancing the competitiveness of the company’s director compensation program;

	•	Reviewed and approved the Chairman of the Board compensation plan as a $50,000 cash retainer and normal board fees. The Chairman of the Board is not eligible for the $15,000 equity grant;

	•	Reviewed and approved compliance amendments to the various compensation and benefits plans concerning Internal Revenue Code section 409A;

	•	Reviewed and funded the 2008 contributions to the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan supplemental contribution accounts for eight executives;

	•	Reviewed and approved equity ownership guidelines for the CEOs and named executive officers; and

	•	Reviewed and approved the plan framework and corporate component metrics for the 2009 Management Incentive Plan.

COMPENSATION FRAMEWORK

The discussion of the Company’s compensation framework in this section of the CD&A describes the following three aspects of our executive compensation policies and programs:

	•	Pay components – a discussion of each element of total compensation, including the rationale for each and how each component relates to the total compensation structure.

	•	Pay level – the factors used to determine the compensation opportunity, or potential payment amount at different performance levels, for each pay component.

	•	Relationship to performance – how the Company determines appropriate performance measures and goals for incentive plan purposes, as well as how pay levels change as a function of performance.

Pay Components - Overview

The Company’s executive compensation program includes the components listed below.

	•	Salary – fixed base pay that reflects each executive’s position, individual performance, experience, and expertise.

	•	Annual Cash Incentive – pay that varies based on performance against annual business objectives; the Company communicates the associated performance metrics, goals, and award opportunities (expressed as a percentage of salary) to the executives at the beginning of the year.

	•	Long-Term Incentives – equity-based awards (stock options and restricted stock) with values driven by individual and company performance.


	•	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”), a component of the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan - which may include Company contributions that are based on annual individual and Company performance. Inclusion in and contributions to the SERP program is determined by the Committee.

	•	Other Compensation – perquisites consistent with industry practices in comparable banks, as well as broad-based employee benefits such as medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage.

Salary

The Company pays its executives cash salaries intended to be competitive and take into account the individual’s experience, performance, responsibilities, and past and potential contribution to the Company. The Committee annually reviews the salary of the CEOs. In addition, salaries paid to executive officers are reviewed annually by the CEOs and the Corporate Human Resources Director based upon subjective assessment of the nature of the position, the contributions, experience and Company tenure of the executive officer. The CEOs recommend base salary adjustments for all executive officers to the Committee. The committee has established a target of the fiftieth percentile of peers for base salary of the NEOs.

For the year ended December 31, 2008, the following base salaries were paid:


George A. Schloegel	$	300,000
Carl J. Chaney	$	380,500
John M. Hairston	$	380,500
Michael M. Achary	$	219,038
Clifton J. Saik	$	258,809
Alfred G. Rath	$	229,615
Richard T. Hill	$	229,615

On December 16, 2008, the Committee approved the compensation for executive officers Carl J. Chaney, John M. Hairston, Michael M. Achary, Clifton J. Saik, Alfred G. Rath, and Richard T. Hill for 2009, effective January 1, 2009. Mr. Schloegel retired from the Company as of December 31, 2008, and was not included in the compensation table for 2009.

Based on analysis of the peer compensation study and deliberations of the Committee the following salaries were approved:


Carl J. Chaney	$	410,000
John M. Hairston	$	410,000
Michael M. Achary	$	240,000
Clifton J. Saik	$	267,000
Alfred G. Rath	$	240,000
Richard T. Hill	$	240,000

Annual Cash Incentive

The Company uses annual incentives to focus attention on current strategic priorities and drive achievement of short-term corporate objectives. The 2008 Management Incentive Plan is designed to focus executive officers towards improving three principle areas of performance: corporate, unit, and individual. To accomplish the focus, each of the three components is independently funded. The corporate component uses three key performance measurement areas: net earnings growth, average annual deposit growth, and average annual loan growth. The corporate component is weighted based on the level of corporate responsibility and impact each executive’s position carries. The performance goals for the 2008 Management Incentive Plan corporate component were: 60% on Net Earnings of $81,760,000; 20% on Average Annual Deposits of $5,090,338; and 20% on Average Annual Loans of $3,794,745. The unit component is determined by the CEOs and each management sponsor. Each unit goal has a grading matrix established before the goals are communicated to the unit. For 2008, the Committee has established both corporate and individual goals for the executives.

For the year ended December 31, 2008 the following cash bonuses were awarded based on comparison of the financial results of the year and comparison of performance against the regional and top-quartile peer group by the Committee:


Carl J. Chaney	$	280,391
John M. Hairston	$	280,391
Michael M. Achary	$	84,901
Clifton J. Saik	$	96,104
Alfred G. Rath	$	86,932
Richard T. Hill	$	89,529

Long-Term Incentives (“LTI”)

The Company believes that equity ownership by Executive Management and Directors aligns executive and director interests with those of the shareholders. The Company uses stock options and restricted stock grants as the primary vehicle for long-term incentive compensation for both management and the Board. In March 2005, the shareholders of the Company approved Hancock Holding Company’s 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“The Plan”). The Plan is designed to enable employees and directors to obtain a proprietary interest in the Company and to attract and retain outstanding associates. The Plan provides for awards up to an aggregate of five million (5,000,000) shares of the Company’s common stock which may be granted during the term of the Plan. The Plan limits the number of shares for which awards may be granted during any calendar year (the “Plan Year”) to two percent (2%) of the outstanding Company’s common stock as reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending immediately prior to that Plan Year. The exercise price of each option is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and in no event is less than the fair market value of the common stock subject to such option on the date of the grant.

In 2008, awards of both stock options and restricted stock and performance stock were granted to all six of the NEOs. Vesting of these options occurs ratably over a five-year period following the date of the grant. Vesting of the restricted stock awards occurs in total after a five year period from the date of grant.

To further the pay-for-performance philosophy of the Committee and incentivize superior financial performance of the Company, the Committee awarded performance stock to each NEO. Vesting of the performance stock awards occurs ratably up to 100% of the award based on the performance goals for the 2008 Management Incentive Plan corporate component: 60% on Net Earnings of $81,760,000; 20% on Average Annual Deposits of $5,090,338, and 20% on Average Annual Loans of $3,794,745 and then Committee’s comparison of the Company’s performance against top quartile and regional peers.

The amount and form of each of these awards is stated below:


Named Executive Officer	Option Awards	Restricted Stock Awards	Performance Stock Awards
Carl J. Chaney	18,507	4,143	424
John M. Hairston	18,507	4,143	424
Michael M. Achary	6,771	1,516	212
Clifton J. Saik	6,528	1,462	248
Alfred G. Rath	6,320	1,415	215
Richard T. Hill	6,320	1,415	215

As part of the 2008 Long-Term Incentive award, the Committee approved the granting of performance stock awards to all six NEOs that are earned ratably up to 100% during the performance period of January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2009. Once earned, the shares have a service vest requirement over the next two subsequent years. The ratable earning of the award is tied to the achievement of the corporate component of the company’s 2009 Management Incentive Plan as well as the Committee’s comparison of the Company’s performance top quartile and regional peers. The amount and form of each of these awards is stated below.


Named Executive Officer		2009 Performance Stock Awards
Carl J. Chaney		2,347
John M. Hairston		2,347
Michael M. Achary		950
Clifton J. Saik		986
Alfred G. Rath		914
Richard T. Hill		914

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan

In November 2006, the Company adopted a non-qualified deferred compensation plan supplemental contribution account for certain NEOs. The supplemental contribution account was implemented to provide the executive officer an incentive to continue working during the most productive years of their career, provide the Company with a tool to retain key executive talent, and replace benefits lost by compensation caps under the

Company’s qualified benefits plans.

The nonqualified deferred compensation plan’s supplemental contributions, when combined with these other retirement income sources, are designed to target a percentage of final compensation each year following retirement. On December 18, 2008, the Committee approved the funding of the 2008 contribution to the supplemental contribution accounts of Carl J. Chaney, John M. Hairston, Michael M. Achary, Clifton J. Saik, Alfred G. Rath, and Richard T. Hill.

Each contribution to the supplemental contribution account is subject to annual approval by the Committee. Supplemental contributions under the plan are based on the annual amount needed to accumulate a balance sufficient to produce a target retirement benefit beginning at age 65 retirement and continuing through the first fifteen post-employment years. The annual target benefit for each participant is 55% of final average compensation at age 65 retirement. The target benefit is achieved through contributions to the supplemental contribution account, projected annual benefit from the tax-qualified Hancock Bank Pension Plan, and the projected value of the company match made to the Hancock Bank 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan, if paid out over a fifteen (15) year period. “Final average compensation” is the estimated average of base salary and annual incentive bonus for the three (3) final consecutive years of employment with the Company, assuming an increase in compensation of 5% per year. While the contributions will be credited over a ten (10) year period upon approval by the Board, vesting of the contributions will not begin until age 50 and will fully vest at age 65. Restricted stock awards and performance stock awards may be deferred under this plan.

Employment Contracts and Change-in-Control Agreements

The Company does not have employment contracts with the NEOs. Each of the NEOs, however, has a Change-in-Control agreement that, among other things, assures the individual’s employment for at least three years (or, in certain instances, severance payments) in the event of a change of control of the Company. If the executive is terminated by the Company after the change of control except for cause or as a result of the executive’s disability, then the executive is entitled to a severance payment equal to a percentage of base salary and bonus, which percentage varies depending on the executive’s agreement with the Company from 99% to 199%. The executive is also entitled to a severance payment if the executive resigns because of a material change in duties or relocation as the result of the change of control of the Company.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

Executive officers of the company should maintain equity interests in the company stock that closely align the executives’ and shareholders’ interests. The Committee reviewed ownership guidelines and recommendations from the 2008 Grant-Thornton peer compensation study and established stock ownership guidelines for each NEO. Stock ownership is considered to be shares held by the NEO or the NEOs’ spouse including shares in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan, brokerage, 401(k), and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation plan. The ownership guideline for the Chief Executive Officers is set at three times base salary and all other NEOs are set at two times base salary. The Committee established a three year period whereby the NEO is required to achieve the ownership targets.

Director ownership guidelines establish ownership of at least one thousand (1,000) shares of the Company’s common stock. Directors have two years from the date they are first appointed or elected to the Board to meet the stock ownership guidelines. Shares held by a Director in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan, brokerage, or any deferral plan are included in the tally to determine if the stock ownership guideline is met.

Other Compensation

The NEOs participate in the Company’s broad-based employee benefit plans, such as medical, dental, supplemental disability, and term life insurance programs. All of the NEOs are provided with a company–owned vehicle. The vehicle is provided primarily for their business travel that is targeted to meet or exceed 20,000 miles per year. The NEOs are also allowed to operate the vehicle for personal use upon which they are taxed through the Company’s payroll process. Due to limits on the current broad-based long-term disability policy, the Company provides each NEO with additional long-term disability insurance. The long-term disability benefit covers monthly amounts up to $7,500 in excess of $10,000. The long-term disability plan also provides a $2,000 monthly benefit for the NEOs’ spouses.

Summary of Pay Components

The Company uses the above pay components to balance various objectives. The Company desires to balance short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term objectives, so annual incentives are combined with long-term incentives. To attract executives, maintain a stable team of effective leaders, and provide non-competition and other protections for the Company, the compensation framework is considering additional components such as Change-in-Control agreements and SERPs.

The compensation framework balances the executives’ need for current cash, security, and funds to cover taxes on long-term incentives (through vehicles such as salary and annual incentives) with the need for alignment of

executives’ long-term interests with those of shareholders (through vehicles such as equity grants).

The components provide some degree of security at the base, threshold level of compensation, while motivating executives to focus on the strategic goals that will produce both outstanding Company financial performance and long-term wealth creation for the executives.

Pay Level and Benchmarking

Pay levels for executives are determined based on a number of factors, including the desire to maintain a team-based management culture, individual’s roles and responsibilities within the Company, the individual’s experience and expertise, the pay levels for peers within the Company, pay levels in the marketplace for similar positions and performance of the individual and the Company as a whole. The Committee is responsible for approving pay levels for the executive officers. In determining these pay levels, the Committee considers all forms of compensation and benefits, using tools such as wealth creation tally sheets to review the total value delivered through all elements of pay and the potential future value of the Committee’s current compensation decisions.

As noted earlier, the Company’s compensation structure is designed to position an executive’s total compensation at approximately the upper quartile of a peer group of comparable, high performing financial institutions, assuming the Company’s performance is at expected target levels. The primary data source used in setting competitive market levels for the executive officers is the information publicly disclosed by a peer group (the “2008 Peer Group”) of the twenty (20) companies listed below. This peer group is reviewed annually and may change from year-to-year. These companies, which have been carefully considered by the Committee for inclusion in the 2008 Peer Group, include banks of similar asset size and business strategy.


2008 PEER GROUP

Company Name, Headquarters’ State, (Ticker), Bank Type		Company Name, Headquarters’ State, (Ticker), Bank Type

BancorpSouth, Inc., MS (BXS), Regional		IBERIABANK Corporation, LA, (IBKC), Regional
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc., TX (CFR), Regional		United Community Banks, Inc., GA (UCBI), Regional
BankFirst Corporation, OK (BANF), Top Quartile		Integra Bank Corporation, IN, (IBNK), Top Quartile
CVB Financial Corp, CA (CVBF), Top Quartile		National Penn Bancshares, PA, (NPBC), Top Quartile
Whitney Holding Corp., LA (WTNY), Regional		NBT Bancorp, IN, (NBTB), Top Quartile
Trustmark Corp., MS (TRMK), Regional		Old National Bancorp, IN, (ONB), Top Quartile
F.N.B. Corporation., PA (FNB), Top Quartile		Prosperity Bancshares, Inc., TX (PRSP), Top Quartile
United Bancshares, Inc., WV (UBSI), Top Quartile		Renasant Corporation, MS, (RNST), Regional
First Niagara Financial Group, Inc., NY (FNFG), Top Quartile		Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc., MD, (SASR), Top Quartile
Sterling Bancshares, Inc., TX, (SBIB), Top Quartile		Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc., TX, (TCBI), Top Quartile

After consideration of the data collected on external competitive levels of compensation and internal relationships within the executive group, the Committee makes decisions regarding individual executives’ target total compensation opportunities based on the need to attract, motivate and retain an experienced and effective management team.

As noted above, notwithstanding the Company’s overall pay positioning objectives, pay opportunities for specific individuals vary based on a number of factors such as scope of duties, tenure, institutional knowledge and/or difficulty in recruiting a new executive. Actual total compensation in a given year will vary above or below the target compensation levels based primarily on the attainment of operating goals and the creation of shareholder value.

Tax and Accounting Considerations

The Company takes into account tax and accounting implications in the design of its compensation programs. For example, in the selection of long-term incentive instruments, the Committee reviews the projected expense amounts and expense timing associated with alternative types of awards. Under current accounting rules (i.e., Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R)), the Company must expense the grant-date fair value of share-based grants such as restricted stock, performance shares, and stock appreciation rights settled in stock. The grant-date value is amortized and expensed over the service period or vesting period of the grant. In contrast, awards that are not share-based (e.g., phantom stock) are expensed based on a value that may fluctuate widely over the vesting period and is not fixed at grant date. In selecting appropriate incentive devices, the Committee reviews appropriate expense analyses and considers the related tax and accounting issues.

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended) generally limits the corporate tax deduction for compensation in excess of $1.0 million that is paid to a NEO, unless certain performance-based conditions are met. In establishing and administering the Company’s compensation programs, the Committee complies with the requirements of Section 162(m), although the Company retains the flexibility to pay compensation that is not eligible for such treatment under Section 162(m) if it is in the best interest of the Company to do so.

CONCLUSION

The Committee takes a best-practices approach to establishing and administering NEOs’ compensation. Each component of compensation is developed using a defined methodology. The methodology has ensured that the NEOs’ compensation is competitive with other high-performing banks and is tightly aligned with the Company’s short and long-term financial performance. Through the use of external compensation consultants and internal compensation expertise, the Committee has designed and approved a compensation program that achieves all of the Committee’s goals and objectives.

In performing its oversight role, the Compensation Committee has considered and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) with executive management as required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K included in the Proxy statement. On February 17, 2009, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the 2008 CD&A be included in this Proxy statement and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for such fiscal year.

Respectfully submitted by the members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors:


	Frank E. Bertucci (Chairperson)
	Don P. Descant
	Anthony J. Topazi

Hancock Holding Company
Summary Compensation Table (SCT )
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

Name and Principal Position

Year

Salary

Bonus

Stock Awards
(1)

Option Awards
(2)

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation

Change in
Pension Value
and Non-
Qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
(4)

All
Other
Comp.
(5)

Total

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

George A. Schloegel, Chairman of the Board

2008

300,000

—

114,086

(3)

—

212,524

123,215

749,825

2007

313,933

—

95,254

(3)

—

87,872

(17,125

)

121,029

600,963

2006

481,140

50,000

336,852

(3)

426,855

(3)

290,123

59,713

126,494

1,771,177

Carl J. Chaney, President and CEO

2008

380,500

—

93,617

70,532

280,391

24,760

228,301

1,078,101

2007

349,731

—

74,354

50,916

149,615

9,019

120,943

754,578

2006

280,500

—

70,843

56,347

133,964

9,437

123,676

674,767

John M. Hairston, CEO and Chief Operating Officer

2008

380,500

—

93,617

70,532

280,391

29,419

209,595

1,064,054

2007

349,731

—

74,354

50,916

149,615

7,608

108,491

740,715

2006

280,500

—

70,843

56,347

133,964

10,451

110,952

663,057

Michael M. Achary, Chief Financial Officer

2008

219,038

—

38,214

31,225

84,901

20,966

84,858

479,202

2007

200,000

—

25,135

21,463

56,885

181

10,154

313,818

Clifton J. Saik, Executive Wealth Management

2008

258,809

—

49,408

35,227

96,014

39,529

135,982

614,969

2007

254,001

—

37,381

25,458

73,263

19,069

129,330

538,503

2006

249,001

—

35,421

28,174

101,274

16,646

133,791

564,307

Alfred G. Rath, Chief Credit Officer

2008

229,615

—

71,145

84,353

86,932

263,011

55,596

790,652

2007

220,000

—

33,374

25,458

61,981

164,297

40,573

545,683

2006

200,000

—

31,396

28,174

83,790

120,660

40,534

504,554

Richard T. Hill, Executive Retail Banking

2008

229,615

—

46,747

35,224

89,529

31,768

99,224

532,107

2007

220,000

—

37,162

25,458

58,170

14,527

88,988

444,305

2006

200,000

—

35,421

28,174

79,400

13,380

85,159

441,534


(1)	In 2008, a portion of the amounts shown represents grants of prior years expensed in 2008 as follows: 2007 grants $96,925; 2006 grants $154,245; 2005 grants $161,636. In 2008, the Company granted performance awards on January 2, 2008 on a discretionary basis and subject to defined company performance objectives. The shares were granted at a price of $35.86. Awards for the six executives were: Mr. Chaney 424; Mr. Hairston 424; Mr. Achary 212; Mr. Saik 248; Mr. Rath 215; and Mr. Hill 215. In 2008, the Company granted restricted stock on December 30, 2008. The shares were granted on a discretionary basis and are subject to five-year service vesting. The shares were granted at a price of $41.56. The awards for the six executives were: Mr. Chaney 4,143; Mr. Hairston 4,143; Mr. Achary 1,516; Mr. Saik 1,462; Mr. Rath 1,415; and Mr. Hill 1,415. In 2007, the Company granted restricted stock on November 13, 2007. The shares were granted on a discretionary basis and are subject to five-year service vesting. The shares were granted at a price of $38.88. Awards for the six executives were: Mr. Chaney 2,740; Mr. Hairston 2,740; Mr. Achary 1,368; Mr. Saik 1,601; Mr. Rath 1,386; and Mr. Hill 1,386. In 2007, a portion of the amounts shown above represent grants of prior years expensed in 2007 as follows: 2006 grants $187,789.

(2)	In 2008, a portion of the amounts shown represents grants of prior years expensed in 2008 as follows: 2007 grants $99,838; and 2006 grants $310,598. In 2008, Company granted incentive stock options on December 30, 2008. The stock options were granted on a discretionary basis in fiscal year 2008 and are subject to five-year service vesting. The shares were granted at an exercise price of $41.56. The values in the table represent a grant date fair value computed in accordance with FAS 123R. The following inputs are used in the Black-Scholes methodology: expected volatility 35.33%, risk-free interest rate 2.07%, expected life eight years and expected dividend yield 2.31%. The resulting Black-Scholes grant value is $13.29 per share. Awards for the six executives were: Mr. Chaney 18,507; Mr. Hairston 18,507; Mr. Achary 6,771; Mr. Saik 6,528; Mr. Rath 6,320; and Mr. Hill 6,320. In 2007, the Company granted incentive stock options on November 13, 2007. The stock options were granted on a discretionary basis in fiscal year 2007 and are subject to a five-year service vesting. The shares were granted at an exercise price of $38.88. The values in the table represent a grant date fair value computed in accordance with FAS 123R. The following inputs are used in the Black-Scholes methodology: expected volatility 30.88%, risk-free interest rate 4.219%, expected life eight years and expected dividend yield 2.47%. The resulting Black-Scholes grant value is $12.57 per share. Awards for the six executives were: Mr. Chaney 8,815 shares; Mr. Hairston 8,815 shares; Mr. Achary 4,408 shares; Mr. Saik 4,408 shares; Mr. Rath 4,408 shares; and Mr. Hill 4,408 shares. In 2007, a portion of the amounts shown represents grants of prior years expensed in 2007 as follows: 2006 grants $93,100.

(3)	Mr. Schloegel did not receive awards or options in 2007 or 2008. His expense is related to 2003 – 2005 awards that fully expensed this year due to his retiring on December 31, 2008.

(4)	Based on SFAS No. 87 assumptions used for disclosure as of 12/31/2008 and September 30 for all previous years. All amounts represent the change in pension value except for Mr. Schloegel’s amounts. For 2008 Mr. Schloegel’s amounts are $187,265 for change in pension value and $25,259 for change in nonqualified deferred compensation earnings. 2007 amounts are $135,349 for change in pension value and ($152,474) for change in nonqualified deferred compensation earnings. 2006 amounts are $152,940 for change in pension value and ($93,227) for change in non-qualified deferred compensation earnings.

(5)	See next table for disclosure of All Other Compensation.

Hancock Holding Company
SCT (continued)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

Name

Year

Auto
Allowance

Supplemental
Retirement
Payment (1)

Tax
Gross-up
(2)

401(k)
Match

Supplemental
Long-Term
Disability
Insurance

Non-Qualified
Deferred
Compensation

Group-Term
Life
Insurance

Additional
Compensation
(3)

Total Other
Compensation

George A. Schloegel, Chairman of the Board

2008

768

63,500

45,078

3,142

2,507

4,000

4,220

—

123,215

2007

552

63,500

43,471

3,500

2,481

3,305

4,220

—

121,029

2006

4,013

63,500

43,524

7,355

3,782

—

4,220

100

126,494

Carl J. Chaney, President and CEO

2008

2,193

—

4,600

2,582

218,715

211

—

228,301

2007

1,400

—

4,500

2,582

112,250

211

—

120,943

2006

4,451

—

7,500

2,582

108,932

211

—

123,676

John M. Hairston, CEO and Chief Operating Officer

2008

939

—

4,600

2,324

201,283

449

—

209,595

2007

916

—

4,500

2,324

100,452

299

—

108,491

2006

3,766

—

7,500

2,324

97,063

299

—

110,952

Michael M. Achary, Chief Financial Officer

2008

1,315

—

4,600

2,208

76,604

131

—

84,858

2007

740

—

4,500

2,208

2,575

131

—

10,154

Clifton J. Saik, Executive Wealth Management

2008

4,203

—

4,600

3,863

122,549

767

—

135,982

2007

665

—

4,500

966

122,789

410

—

129,330

2006

4,214

—

6,843

—

119,549

410

2,775

133,791

Alfred G. Rath, Chief Credit Officer

2008

712

—

4,600

4,150

44,445

1,689

55,596

2007

509

—

4,500

4,150

29,725

1,689

40,573

2006

2,734

—

5,461

3,918

26,582

1,689

150

40,534

Richard T. Hill, Executive Retail Banking

2008

502

—

4,600

3,318

90,572

232

—

99,224

2007

1,970

—

4,500

3,318

78,968

232

—

88,988

2006

316

—

5,551

3,262

75,798

232

—

85,159


(1)	Represents payment under new agreement to replace the split dollar agreement that terminated in 2004.

(2)	Represents tax gross-up payment under new agreement to replace the split dollar agreement that terminated in 2004.

(3)	Represents reimbursement of club dues for Mr. Schloegel and Mr. Saik, and other compensation for Mr. Rath.

Hancock Holding Company
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of Shares
of Stock
or Units
(#)

Grant
Date
Fair
Value
of
Stock
and
Option
Awards

All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)

Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)

Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-
Equity Incentive Plan Awards

Estimated Future Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1)

Name

Grant Date

Threshold

Target

Maximum

Threshold
(#) (2)

Target
(#)

Maximum
(#)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

(k)

(l)

George A. Schloegel, Chairman of the Board

12/30/2008

—

Carl J. Chaney, President and CEO

12/30/2008

91,320

304,400

357,670

—

382

(3)

382

3,729

(4)

18,507

41.56

400,935

John M. Hairston, CEO and Chief Operating Officer

12/30/2008

91,320

304,400

357,670

—

382

(3)

382

3,729

(4)

18,507

41.56

400,935

Michael M. Achary, Chief Financial Officer

12/30/2008

50,598

91,996

102,346

—

212

1,516

6,771

41.56

152,992

Clifton J. Saik, Executive Wealth Management

12/30/2008

59,785

108,700

120,928

—

248

1,462

6,528

41.56

147,518

Alfred G. Rath, Chief Credit Officer

12/30/2008

53,041

96,438

107,288

—

215

1,415

6,320

41.56

142,800

Richard T. Hill, Executive Retail Banking

12/30/2008

53,041

96,438

107,288

—

215

1,415

6,320

41.56

142,800


(1)	Annually the CEOs make recommendations to the Compensation Committee on the award for each NEO. The recommendation is based on the NEO’s contribution and performance during the year. The awards are approved by the Compensation Committee.

(2)	There is no minimum payment to be made under the Awards. If the financial performance of the Company during the performance period to which the Award relates falls below the minimum performance goals established in the specified categories under the Award by the Compensation Committee, no payouts will be made under the Awards.

(3)	These amounts do not include shares deferred into the Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan. The deferred shares are credited as incentive units under the Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan and the shares they represent are counted against stock available for grants under the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan. In 2008, the following shares were deferred: Mr. Chaney 42 shares and Mr. Hairston 42 shares.

(4)	These amounts do not include shares deferred into the Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan. The deferred shares are credited as incentive units under the Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan and the shares they represent are counted against stock available for grants under the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan. In 2008, the following shares were deferred: Mr. Chaney 414 shares and Mr. Hairston 414 shares.

Hancock Holding Company
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
As of December 31, 2008

Options Awards

Stock Awards

Name

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable

Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)

Options
Exercise
Price ($)

Option
Expiration
Date

Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested (#)

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested ($)

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested (#)

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested
($)

Vesting Date

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

(k)

George A. Schloegel, Chairman of the Board

15,000

—

39.83

6/30/2009

—

12/31/2008

Carl J. Chaney, President and CEO

—

18,507

—

41.56

12/30/2018

—

12/30/2013

(1)

“

—

3,729

(2)

169,520

—

12/30/2013

“

—

382

(3)

17,366

2/14/2009

“

1,763

7,052

—

38.88

11/13/2017

—

11/13/2012

(1)

“

—

2,055

(2)

93,420

—

11/13/2012

“

7,200

10,800

—

39.83

1/18/2016

—

1/18/2011

(1)

“

—

3,000

136,380

—

1/18/2011

“

18,000

—

31.20

1/13/2015

—

12/21/2005

“

—

3,000

136,380

—

2/21/2010

“

18,000

—

27.97

1/8/2014

—

12/21/2005

Carl J. Chaney, President and CEO

—

3,000

136,380

—

1/8/2009

“

18,000

—

22.36

1/6/2013

—

12/21/2005

Hancock Holding Company
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
As of December 31, 2008

Options Awards

Stock Awards

Name

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable

Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)

Options
Exercise
Price ($)

Option
Expiration
Date

Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested (#)

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested ($)

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested (#)

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested
($)

Vesting Date

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

(k)

John M. Hairston, CEO and Chief Operating Officer

—

18,507

—

41.56

12/30/2018

—

12/30/2013

(1)

“

—

3,729

(2)

169,520

—

12/30/2013

“

—

382

(3)

17,366

2/14/2009

“

1,763

7,052

—

38.88

11/13/2017

—

11/13/2012

(1)

“

—

2,466

(2)

112,104

—

11/13/2012

“

7,200

10,800

—

39.83

1/18/2016

—

1/18/2011

(1)

“

—

3,000

136,380

—

1/18/2011

“

18,000

—

31.20

1/13/2015

—

12/21/2005

“

—

3,000

136,380

—

2/21/2010

“

18,000

—

27.97

1/8/2014

—

12/21/2005

“

—

3,000

136,380

—

1/8/2009

“

18,000

—

22.36

1/6/2013

—

12/21/2005

“

11,998

—

14.50

1/9/2012

—

1/9/2006

Michael M. Achary, Chief Financial Officer

—

6,771

—

41.56

12/30/2018

—

12/30/2013

(1)

“

—

1,516

68,917

—

12/30/2013

“

—

212

9,638

2/14/2009

“

881

3,527

—

38.88

11/13/2017

—

11/13/2012

(1)

“

—

1,368

62,189

—

11/13/2012

“

3,000

4,500

—

39.83

1/18/2016

—

1/18/2011

(1)

“

—

1,200

54,552

—

1/18/2011

“

—

1,000

45,460

—

2/21/2010

“

—

1,000

45,460

—

1/8/2009

Clifton J. Saik, Executive Wealth Management

—

6,528

—

41.56

12/30/2018

—

12/30/2013

(1)

“

—

1,462

66,463

—

12/30/2013

“

—

248

11,274

2/14/2009

“

881

3,527

—

38.88

11/13/2017

—

11/13/2012

(1)

“

—

1,601

72,781

—

11/13/2012

“

3,600

5,400

—

39.83

1/18/2016

—

1/18/2011

(1)

“

—

1,500

68,190

—

1/18/2011

Hancock Holding Company
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
As of December 31, 2008

Options Awards

Stock Awards

Name

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable

Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)

Options
Exercise
Price ($)

Option
Expiration
Date

Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested (#)

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested ($)

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested (#)

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested
($)

Vesting Date

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

(k)

Clifton J. Saik, Executive Wealth Management

9,000

—

31.20

1/13/2015

—

12/21/2005

“

—

1,500

68,190

—

2/21/2010

“

9,000

—

27.97

1/8/2014

—

12/21/2005

“

—

1,500

68,190

—

1/8/2009

“

9,000

—

22.36

1/6/2013

—

12/21/2005

“

6,000

—

14.50

1/9/2012

—

1/9/2006

Alfred G. Rath, Chief Credit Officer

—

6,320

—

41.56

12/30/2018

—

12/30/2013

(1)

“

—

1,415

64,326

—

12/30/2013

“

—

215

9,774

2/14/2009

“

881

3,527

—

38.88

11/13/2017

—

11/13/2012

(1)

“

—

1,386

63,008

—

11/13/2012

“

—

5,400

—

39.83

1/18/2016

—

1/18/2011

(1)

“

—

1,500

68,190

—

1/18/2011

“

—

1,500

68,190

—

2/21/2010

“

—

1,500

68,190

—

1/8/2009

Richard T. Hill, Executive Retail Banking

—

6,320

41.56

12/30/2018

—

12/30/2013

(1)

“

—

1,415

64,326

—

12/30/2013

“

—

215

9,774

2/14/2009

“

881

3,527

—

38.88

11/13/2017

—

11/13/2012

(1)

“

—

1,386

63,008

—

11/13/2012

“

3,600

5,400

—

39.83

1/18/2016

—

1/18/2011

(1)

“

—

1,500

68,190

—

1/18/2011

“

—

1,500

68,190

—

2/21/2010

“

—

1,500

68,190

—

1/8/2009


(1)	20% vesting per year for five (5) years.

(2)	These amounts do not include shares deferred into the Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan. The deferred shares are credited as incentive units under the Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan and the shares they represent are counted against stock available for grants under the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan. In 2008, the following shares were deferred: Mr. Chaney 414 shares and Mr. Hairston 414 shares. In 2007, Mr. Chaney deferred 685 shares and Mr. Hairston 274 shares.

(3)	These amounts do not include shares deferred into the Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan. The deferred shares are credited as incentive units under the Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan and the shares they represent are counted against stock available for grants under the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan. In 2008, the following shares were deferred: Mr. Chaney 42 shares and Mr. Hairston 42 shares.

Hancock Holding Company
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

Option Awards

Stock Awards

Name

Number of Shares Acquired on
Exercise
(#)

Value Realized upon Exercise ($)

Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#)

Value Realized on
Vesting
($)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

George A. Schloegel, Chairman of the Board

34,998

820,507

24,000

996,420

Carl J. Chaney, President and CEO

35,996

1,269,435

3,000

106,080

John M. Hairston, CEO and Chief Operating Officer

26,962

947,159

3,000

106,080

Michael M. Achary, Chief Financial Officer

5,000

126,160

600

21,216

Clifton J. Saik, Executive Wealth Management

12,750

478,433

1,500

53,040

Alfred G. Rath, Chief Credit Officer

31,500

648,017

600

21,216

Richard T. Hill, Executive Retail Banking

49,498

1,529,711

1,500

53,040

Hancock Holding Company
Pension Benefits Table
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

Name

Plan Name

Number of Years Credited
Service (#)

Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit
($)

Payments During
Last Fiscal Year
($)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

George A. Schloegel, Chairman of the Board

Hancock Bank Pension Plan

2,077,518

(1)

—

“

Supplemental Retirement Plans #1

1,069,607

(2)

—

“

Supplemental Retirement Plans #2

1,401,185

(2)

—

“

Supplemental Retirement Plans #3

265,740

(2)

108,578

(3)

Carl J. Chaney, President and CEO

Hancock Bank Pension Plan

97,285

(1)

—

John M. Hairston, CEO and Chief Operating Officer

Hancock Bank Pension Plan

125,404

(1)

—

Michael M. Achary, Chief Financial Officer

Hancock Bank Pension Plan

66,427

(1)

—

Clifton J. Saik, Executive Wealth Management

Hancock Bank Pension Plan

170,323

(1)

—

Alfred G. Rath, Chief Credit Officer

Hancock Bank Pension Plan

1,090,897

(1)

Richard T. Hill, Executive Retail Banking

Hancock Bank Pension Plan

118,158

(1)

—


(1)	The Present Value of the Accumulated Benefit Obligation is determined using 5.96% per annum and the RP-2000 Combined Mortality Table and assumes the benefit will be paid in the normal form on the later of age 65 and the valuation date.

(2)	The Present Value of the Accumulated Benefit Obligation is determined using 5.96% per annum and assumes the benefit will be paid in the normal form on the later of age 65 and the valuation date.

(3)	Represents payment and tax gross-up under new agreement to replace the split dollar agreement that terminated in 2004.

Hancock Holding Company
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008


Name	Executive Contributions in Last Fiscal Year ($) (1)		Registrant Contributions in Last Fiscal Year ($) (2)			Aggregate Earnings in Last Fiscal Year ($) (3)			Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions ($) (4)		Aggregate Balance at Last Fiscal Year ($) (8)

(a)	(b)		(c)			(d)			(e)		(f)

George A. Schloegel, Chairman of the Board	$	125,000	$	4,000		($	148,633	)	$	—	$	381,573
Carl J. Chaney, President and CEO		128,724		239,445	(5) (7)		(205,124	) (6)		—		557,654
John M. Hairston, CEO and Chief Operating Officer		30,181		222,013	(5) (7)		(168,982	) (6)		—		444,498
Michael M. Achary, Chief Financial Officer		17,523		76,604			(39,185	)		—		103,942
Clifton J. Saik, Executive Wealth Management		20,267		122,549			(162,791	)		—		292,235
Alfred G. Rath, Chief Credit Officer		19,975		44,445			3,545			—		162,661
Richard T. Hill, Executive Retail Banking		16,685		90,572			(111,880	)		—		229,495


(1)	Executives may elect a maximum deferral of 80% of base salary, 100% of annual incentive bonus, and 100% of performance stock and restricted stock. The minimum deferral for base salary and annual incentive bonus is a $3,000 aggregate. There is no minimum deferral for performance stock and restricted stock.

(2)	Company contributions are made at the discretion of the committee. Each year, a 401(k) restoration matching contribution may be made to participant accounts. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, a Participant shall be vested in his or her Company Restoration Matching Account at the time or times and in the amounts determined in accordance with the provisions of the 401(k) Plan. The plan also allows for supplemental contributions to be made to participants at the discretion of the committee. The factors taken into consideration for these contributions are current total compensation and a reasonable estimate of final pay at retirement, years of service while eligible for supplemental contributions, remaining with the company until age 65, a reasonable estimate of growth in the value of the supplemental contribution account investments over the years prior to retirement, and the growth of the supplemental contribution account based on actual investment opportunities deemed to be credited to the supplemental contribution account. The participant will vest in the supplemental contribution account on a 15 year graded vesting schedule beginning at age 50 and ending at age 65. They will be 100% vested at age 65.

(3)	Executives elect investment options from a group of measurement funds available in the plan. Allocations and reallocations can be made on a daily basis subject to certain limitations. The accounts are adjusted on a daily basis based on the performance of each measurement fund selected.

(4)	Payments from the plan begin upon the earlier of retirement, termination of employment, disability, death, or in the event of a scheduled distribution.

(5)	Includes $18,820 for Mr. Chaney which is the value as of 12/31/08 of 414 granted Restricted Stock shares deferred in 2008 and $18,820 for Mr. Hairston which is the value as of 12/31/08 of 414 granted Restricted Stock shares deferred in 2008. These shares are credited as incentive units under the Non Qualified Deferred Compensation plan and the shares that they represent are counted against stock available for grants under the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan.

(6)	Includes $5,717 for Mr. Chaney and $2,287 for Mr. Hairston. This is the compounded earnings on the original 685 Restricted Stock shares deferred by Mr. Chaney in 2007 and on the original 274 Restricted Stock shares deferred by Mr. Hairston in 2007.

(7)	Includes $1,909 for Mr. Chaney which is the value as of 12/31/08 of 42 Performance shares deferred in 2008 and $1,909 for Mr. Hairston which is the value as of 12/31/08 of 42 Performance shares deferred in 2008. These shares are credited as incentive units under the Non Qualified Deferred Compensation plan and the shares that they represent are counted against stock available for grants under the 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan. If the financial performance of the Company during the performance period to which the Award relates falls below the minimum performance goals established in the specified categories under the Award by the Compensation Committee, no payout will be made under the Awards.

(8)	The following amounts included in the Registrant Contributions in Last Fiscal Year are also reported in the Summary Compensation Table under All Other Comp 2008: Mr. Schloegel Restoration Match $4,000; Mr. Chaney SERP $215,715 and Restoration Match $3,000; Mr. Hairston SERP $198,283 and Restoration Match $3,000; Mr. Achary SERP $73,604 and Restoration Match $3,000; Mr. Saik SERP $119,549 and Restoration Match $3,000; Mr. Rath SERP $41,445 and Restoration Match $3,000; and Mr. Hill SERP $87,572 and Restoration Match $3,000. Restricted stock and Performance stock have been reported on the Summary Compensation Table in accordance with FAS 123R. The following amounts included in the Aggregate Balance at Last Fiscal Year were previously reported as compensation under All Other Comp in the Summary Compensation Table: 2007, Mr. Schloegel Restoration Match $3,305; Mr. Chaney SERP $108,932 and Restoration Match $3,318; Mr. Hairston SERP $97,063 and Restoration Match $3,389; Mr. Achary Restoration Match $2,575; Mr. Saik SERP $119,549 and Restoration Match $3,240; and Mr. Hill SERP $75,798 and Restoration Match $3,170. For 2006, Mr. Chaney SERP $108,932; Mr. Hairston SERP $97,063; Mr. Saik SERP $119,549; Mr. Rath SERP $26,582 and Mr. Hill SERP $75,798.

Hancock Holding Company
Director Compensation Table
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

Name

Fees
Earned or
Paid in
Cash
($) (1)

Stock Awards
($)

Option Awards
($)

Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Compensation
($)

Change in Pension Value and
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Earnings
($)

All Other
Compensation
($)

Total
($)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

Bankston, Alton G.

31,900

—

31,900

Bertucci, Frank E.

31,950

—

31,950

Descant, Don P.

36,700

1,627

—

38,327

Estabrook, Jr., James B.

35,700

—

35,700

Horne, James H.

39,150

—

39,150

Johnson, Sr., Charles H.

5,700

—

5,700

Pace, John H.

40,100

5,406

—

45,506

Hancock Holding Company
Director Compensation Table
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

Name

Fees
Earned or
Paid in
Cash
($) (1)

Stock Awards
($)

Option Awards
($)

Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Compensation
($)

Change in Pension Value and
Nonqualified Deferred
Compensation Earnings
($)

All Other
Compensation
($)

Total
($)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

Pickering, Christine L.

38,650

—

38,650

Roseberry, Robert

25,150

—

25,150

Topazi, Anthony

28,300

—

28,300


(1)	Monthly retainer fees are as follows: Audit chair $1,666; Compensation chair $1,333; Nominating chair $1,333; Risk Management chair $1,333; HHC Board Secretary $1,333 and all other retainers $1,000. HHC board meeting pays $1,000 per meeting; state board meeting pays $400 per meeting (if not on same day as HHC board); advisory board meeting pays $250 per meeting; loan committee meeting by phone pays $200 weekly (if called); and all other committee meetings pay $300 per meeting. Each director can elect to receive payment in the form of cash, stock or deferred compensation.

(2)	From time to time the Company will initiate new business referral programs for all Directors of the Company who are also not employees. In 2008, the Company offered a voluntary referral program to these Directors. Directors earn points for new business referred to the Company. At year-end, the points were tallied and $1.00 was paid to the Directors for every point. The Company purchased shares of stock off the open market equivalent to the number of dollars each Director earned. In 2008, Mr. Descant earned 35 shares and Mr. Pace earned 118 shares which will be paid out in 2009.

Hancock Holding Company
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control
As of December 31, 2008

Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Termination

Voluntary
Termination

Normal
Retirement

For Cause
Termination

Termination for
Good Reason
upon CIC

Termination upon
Expiration of CIC
Employment
Period

Death (1)

Disability

George A. Schloegel, Chairman of the Board (2)

SERP

—

17,325

(4)

—

TOTAL

—

17,325

—

Carl J. Chaney, CEO and President

—

Base Salary

—

757,195

380,500

—

Short Term Incentive

—

304,400

—

248,680

304,400

Long Term Incentives (RSA, ISO)

—

469,944

—

851,464

Non Qualified Deferred Compensation (3)

—

363,589

—

343,274

(5)

343,274

(5)

363,589

Disability Benefits (monthly benefit)

—

7,500

280G Tax Gross-up

—

251,469

171,225

—

CIC Career Counseling Services

—

38,050

—

TOTAL

—

1,137,933

—

2,490,132

1,995,143

1,519,453

1,526,953

John M. Hairston, CEO and Chief Operating Officer

—

Base Salary

—

757,195

380,500

—

Short Term Incentive

—

304,400

—

248,680

304,400

Long Term Incentives (RSA, ISO)

—

469,944

—

870,148

Non Qualified Deferred Compensation (3)

—

310,347

—

307,103

(5)

307,103

(5)

310,347

Disability Benefits (monthly benefit)

—

7,500

280G Tax Gross-up

—

251,469

171,225

—

CIC Career Counseling Services

—

38,050

—

TOTAL

—

1,084,691

—

2,472,645

1,977,656

1,484,895

1,492,395

Michael M. Achary, Chief Financial Officer

Base Salary

—

227,700

230,000

—

Short Term Incentive

—

91,996

—

79,184

91,996

Long Term Incentives (RSA, ISO)

—

170,807

—

351,528

Non Qualified Deferred Compensation (3)

—

56,450

—

55,860

(5)

55,860

(5)

56,450

Disability Benefits (monthly benefit)

—

5,538

CIC Career Counseling Services

—

23,000

—

TOTAL

—

319,253

—

737,272

716,572

499,974

505,512

Hancock Holding Company
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control
As of December 31, 2008

Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Termination

Voluntary
Termination

Normal
Retirement

For Cause
Termination

Termination for
Good Reason
upon CIC

Termination upon
Expiration of CIC
Employment
Period

Death (1)

Disability

Clifton J. Saik, Executive Wealth Management

Base Salary

—

256,411

259,001

—

Short Term Incentive

—

108,700

—

91,976

108,700

Long Term Incentives (RSA, ISO)

—

234,972

—

422,883

Non Qualified Deferred Compensation (3)

—

156,455

—

65,325

(5)

65,325

(5)

156,455

Disability Benefits (monthly benefit)

—

6,805

CIC Career Counseling Services

—

25,900

—

TOTAL

—

500,127

—

862,495

839,184

688,037

694,842

Alfred G. Rath, Chief Credit Officer

Base Salary

—

227,700

230,000

—

Short Term Incentive

—

96,438

—

82,606

96,438

Long Term Incentives (RSA, ISO)

—

234,972

—

410,161

Non Qualified Deferred Compensation (3)

—

19,741

—

1,027

(5)

1,027

(5)

19,741

Disability Benefits (monthly benefit)

—

7,278

CIC Career Counseling Services

—

23,000

—

TOTAL

—

351,151

—

744,494

723,794

526,340

533,618

Richard T. Hill, Executive Retail Banking

Base Salary

—

227,700

230,000

—

Short Term Incentive

—

96,438

—

79,099

96,438

Long Term Incentives (RSA, ISO)

—

234,972

—

410,161

Non Qualified Deferred Compensation (3)

—

144,244

—

93,856

(5)

93,856

(5)

144,244

Disability Benefits (monthly benefit)

—

7,500

CIC Career Counseling Services

—

23,000

—

TOTAL

—

475,654

—

833,816

813,116

650,843

658,343


(1)	All Named Executive Officers have a BOLI death benefit of $25,000.

(2)	Mr. Schloegel retired as of December 31, 2008. Information reported is provided for this event only.

(3)	The Non Qualified Deferred Compensation plan includes SERP, Deferred RSAs and Restoration Match.

(4)	Amount includes two monthly deferred compensation payments in the amounts of $7,500 and $9,825 payable upon retirement.

(5)	Payment would be made only if the Non Qualified Deferred Compensation plan terminated in connection with a Change in Control.

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE OF CONTROL

The tables above reflect the amount of compensation to each of the named executive officers of the Company in the event of termination of such executive’s employment. The amount of compensation payable to each named executive officer upon voluntary termination, normal retirement, for cause termination, termination for good reason upon change in control, termination upon expiration of change in control employment period and termination in the event of death or disability of the executive is shown above. The amounts shown assume that such termination was effective as of December 31, 2008 and thus include amounts earned through such time and are estimates of the amounts which would be paid to the executives upon their termination. The actual amounts to be paid can only be determined at the time of such executive’s separation from the company.

Payments Made Upon Voluntary Termination

In the event of a voluntary termination by a named executive officer, he is entitled to receive amounts earned during his term of employment. Such amounts include:


	•	Vested amounts in his accounts under the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, which shall be paid in a lump sum.

Payments Made Upon For Cause Termination

In the event of a for cause termination of a named executive officer, he is entitled to receive the following:


	•	Vested amounts in his accounts under the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, which shall be paid in a lump sum.

Payments Made Upon Normal Retirement

In the event of normal retirement of a named executive officer, in addition to the items identified above:


	•	he will immediately vest in all outstanding options (incentive and non-qualified) granted prior to 2007 and retain such options for a six month period;

	•	he will immediately vest in all outstanding restricted stock awards granted prior to 2007; and

	•	he will immediately vest in any Company contribution accounts in the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan and payment of all his accounts thereunder shall be made in either a lump sum or in annual installments over a period not to exceed 15 years as elected by the named executive officer in accordance with the terms of the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan.

Payments Made Upon Death or Disability

In the event of death or disability of a named executive officer, in addition to the items identified above:


	•	he will immediately vest in all outstanding options (incentive and non-qualified) and retain such options for a one year period;

	•	he will immediately vest in all outstanding restricted stock awards;

	•	he will immediately vest in any Company contribution accounts in the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan and all accounts thereunder shall be paid in a single lump-sum payment; and

	•	he will receive benefits under the Company’s executive disability plan or payments under the Company’s Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) plan, as appropriate.

Payments Made Upon a Change of Control

The Company has entered into Change of Control Employment Agreements with each named executive officer. These agreements provide for continued employment for a period of three years following a change of control (the “Employment Period”). Pursuant to these agreements, if an executive’s employment is terminated following a change of control and prior to the end of the Employment Period (other than termination by the Company for cause or by reason of death or disability), or if the executive terminates his employment in certain circumstances defined in the agreement which constitute “good reason”, or if the executive resigns for any reason during the thirty day period following the date that is six months after the effective date of a change of control, the executive will receive certain benefits in addition to those available under the Company’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan and/or Long Term Incentive Plan. Under the Change of Control Employment Agreement, the named executive officer will receive:


	•	a lump sum severance payment which is a multiple of the Executive’s Base Compensation (compensation for the 12 months immediately preceding termination) and average Employment Period bonus; and

	•	career counseling services for a period of 6 months.

If the executive remains employed throughout the Employment Period, the Change of Control Employment Agreements provide the executive will receive a lump-sum payment equal to his average annual base salary during the Employment Period, plus his average Employment Period bonus.

In addition, the Award Agreements pursuant to which certain equity based awards have been made to the executives under the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan provide for an acceleration of the benefits in the event of a change of control. As a result:


	•	all restricted stock awards granted to the executive will automatically vest and become non-forfeitable; and

	•	all stock options (incentive and non-qualified) held by the executive will automatically vest and become exercisable.

Under the Company’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, upon a change of control, all Company contribution accounts shall immediately vest and become nonforfeitable, but only to the extent the Compensation Committee determines the acceleration will not exceed the deduction limitations under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code or result in excise tax on the executive under Section 4999. The payment of a named executive officer’s accounts under the Company’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan is not accelerated upon a change of control, however, unless the Company elects to terminate the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan in connection with the change of control pursuant to the terms thereof, in which event the executive’s accounts thereunder will be paid in a lump sum.

Generally, a change of control shall be deemed to have occurred upon the happening of any of the following events as to the Company:


	•	The acquisition by any one person or by more than one person acting as a group, of ownership of stock that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company;

	•	The acquisition by any one person, or by more than one person acting as a group, during the twelve-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition, of ownership of stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company;

	•	The replacement during any twelve-month period of a majority of the members of the board of the Company by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of such board before the date of such appointment or election; or

	•	The acquisition by any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, during the twelve-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition, of assets of the Company having a total gross fair market value of more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions.

For purposes of the above, “persons acting as a group” shall have the meaning as in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B).

“Good Reason” shall mean any of the following occurring without executive’s consent:


	•	a material diminution in executive’s position, authority, duties or responsibilities from those which executive held immediately prior to the effective date of the change of control;

	•	a material diminution in the authority, duties, or responsibilities of executive’s supervisor;

	•	requiring executive to be based at any office which is a material change from the geographic location of the office at which executive was employed immediately prior to the change of control;

	•	a material diminution in the budget over which executive retains authority;

	•	a material diminution in executive’s annual base salary; or

	•	any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of any agreement pursuant to which executive performs services for the Company.

280G Tax Gross-up

Upon a change in control of the Company the executive may be subject to certain excise taxes under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code pursuant to deduction limitations imposed under Section 280G. The Company has agreed to reimburse the executive for excise taxes that are imposed on the executive under Section 4999 as a result of payments under the Change of Control Agreements.

FIVE YEAR SHAREHOLDER RETURN COMPARISON

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requires that the Company include in its Annual Report on Form 10-K the line graph presentation set forth below. The Company is also including the graph in this Proxy Statement for the Company’s shareholders’ ease of reference. The following graph compares cumulative, five-year shareholder returns on an indexed basis with a performance indicator of the overall stock market and an index of peer companies selected by the Company. The broad market index used in the graph is the NASDAQ Market Index. The peer group index is a group of financial institutions in the southeast that are similar in asset size and business strategy; a list of the companies included in the index follows the graph.

COMPARE 5-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG HANCOCK HOLDING CO.,
NASDAQ MARKET INDEX AND PEER GROUP INDEX

(LINE GRAPH)


ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON DEC. 31, 2003
ASSUMES DIVIDEND REINVESTED
FISCAL YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 2008

BANK OF THE OZARKS INC	IBERIABANK CORP	STERLING BANCSHARES
BANKATLANTIC BANCORP	PINNACLE FINANCIAL PARTNERS	SUPERIOR BANCORP
FNB CORPORATION FL	RENASANT CORP	TRUSTMARK CORP
GREEN BANKSHARES INC	REPUBLIC BANCORP INC CLA	UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS

BOARD COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS

Audit Committee

The Company has an Audit Committee, which is currently composed of independent directors (as the term independent is defined by NASDAQ listing standards) John H. Pace (returning), Christine L. Pickering (returning), and Anthony J. Topazi (returning). The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that Ms. Pickering, a practicing CPA, is an audit committee financial expert as that term is defined in pertinent regulations. She also serves as Chairperson of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee acts pursuant to a written Audit Committee Charter, a copy of which is available on the Company’s website under Investor Relations – Corporate Governance – Committee Charters, which may be found at http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/corporateprofile.aspx?iid=100308. The Audit Committee oversees the operation of the Company’s Audit Department and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning the independent public accountants for the Company and its subsidiaries. The Audit Committee met twelve (12) times during 2008. The Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures are available on the Company’s website address at http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/corporateprofile.aspx?iid=100308.

Compensation Committee

As of December 31, 2008 the following directors served as members of the Compensation Committee of Hancock Holding Company’s Board of Directors: Frank E. Bertucci, (Chairperson), Don P. Descant, and Anthony J. Topazi. The Compensation Committee met nine (9) times in 2008.

There are no relationships that would create a compensation committee interlock as defined under applicable SEC regulations.

Role and Purpose of the Compensation Committee

The primary purpose of the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) is to aid the Board of Directors (the “Board”) in discharging its responsibilities relating to the compensation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other officers of the company and its subsidiaries having the rank of Executive Vice President or higher and who report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (referred to herein as “executive officers”). The Committee has overall responsibility for evaluating and approving the Company’s compensation plans, policies and programs. The Compensation Committee also oversees the preparation of and approves the annual Committee report on executive compensation for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement. The Compensation Committee Charter appears on the Company’s website under Investor Relations – Corporate Governance – Committee Charters at http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/corporateprofile.aspx?iid=100308. The Chart further outlines the Committee’s responsibilities and duties.

Nominating Committee

The Company has a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consisting of four (4) independent directors (as the term independent is defined by NASDAQ Global Listing Standards) James B. Estabrook, Jr. (Chairperson), James H. Horne, John H. Pace and Christine L. Pickering and George Schloegel. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee provides oversight on a broad range of issues surrounding the composition and operation of the Board of Directors of Hancock Holding Company. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has a charter which is available on the Company’s website under Investor Relations – Corporate Governance – Committee Charters at http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/corporateprofile.aspx?iid=100308.

The shareholder’s notice must set forth as to each nominee: (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of such nominee; (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such nominee; (iii) the class and number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock which are beneficially owned by such nominee; and (iv) any other information relating to such nominee that may be required under federal securities laws to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of Directors. The shareholder’s notice must also set forth as

to the shareholder giving notice: (i) the name and address of such shareholder; and (ii) the amount of such shareholder’s beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock.

It is the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s policy to consider director candidates recommended by stockholders who appear to be qualified to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may choose not to consider an unsolicited recommendation if no vacancy exists on the Board of Directors and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not perceive a need to increase the size of the Board of Directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider only those director candidates recommended in accordance with the procedures set forth below.

Procedures to be followed by Stockholders

To submit a recommendation of a director candidate to the Nominating Committee, a shareholder should submit the following information in writing, addressed to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee, care of Paul D. Guichet, Vice President, Corporate Investor Relations, at the main office of the Company:

1. The name of the person recommended as a director candidate;

2. All information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;

3. The written consent of the person being recommended as a director candidate to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected;

4. As to the shareholder making the recommendation, the name and address, as they appear on the Company’s books, of such shareholder; provided, however, that if the shareholder is not a registered holder of the Company’s common stock, the shareholder should submit his or her name and address along with a current written statement from the record holder of the shares that reflects ownership of the Company’s common stock; and

5. A statement disclosing whether such shareholder is acting with or on behalf of any other person and, if applicable, the identity of such person.

Minimum Qualifications

The Nominating Committee has adopted a set of criteria that it considers when it selects individuals to be nominated for election to the Board of Directors. First a candidate must meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the Company’s bylaws. A candidate also must meet any qualification requirements set forth in any Board or Committee governing documents.

The Nominating Committee will consider the following criteria in selecting nominees: financial, regulatory and business experience; familiarity with and participation in the local community; integrity, honesty and reputation; dedication to the Company and its stockholders; independence; and any other factors the Nominating Committee deems relevant, including age, diversity, size of the Board of Directors and regulatory obligations.

The Board of Directors of the Company met a total of fifteen (15) times during the year ended December 31, 2008. During 2008 all Directors attended 75% or more of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and the total number of meetings held by committees on which they served.

The Company has implemented a shareholder communication process to facilitate communication with its Board of Directors. All shareholder communications to the Board of Directors should be forwarded to the attention of Paul D. Guichet, Vice President, Corporate Investor Relations Department, Hancock Holding Company, P.O. Box 4019, Gulfport, MS 39502. Email address; Paul_Guichet@hancockbank.com.

It is the Company’s policy that members of the Board of Directors attend the Annual Meeting of shareholders. At the 2008 Annual Meeting, all directors of the Company were in attendance.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FIRM FEES

During the last two (2) fiscal years, the Company paid its independent auditors fees and out of pocket expenses as follows:

Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed by KPMG LLP for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 and for the review of the financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for that fiscal year were $890,150 and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 the aggregate fees billed for such services were $1,018,920.

Audit-related Fees. The aggregate fees billed by KPMG LLP for assurance and related services that were reasonably related to the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 were $0. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 the aggregate fees billed for such services were $24,720.

All Other Fees. The aggregate fees billed for professional fees rendered by KPMG LLP for Employee Benefit Plans for fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 were $0. For fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 the aggregate fees billed for such services was $81,813.

The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence. For 2008 the Audit Committee approved all the services described above in accordance with its Pre-Approval Policies, which were attached to the 2004 Proxy Statement as Appendix B.

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company’s filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the following report of the Audit Committee shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filings and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such acts.

With respect to fiscal 2008, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by the statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA Professional Standards, Vol. 1 AU Section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, (Independence Discussions with Audit Committee), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3600T, and has discussed with the independent auditors the auditor’s independence.

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Submitted by the Company’s Audit Committee:


John H. Pace	Christine L. Pickering	Anthony J. Topazi

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Annual Report of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 is enclosed. The Annual Report is not to be regarded as proxy soliciting material. Any shareholder who has not received an Annual Report may obtain one from the Company. The Company also will provide, without charge, copies of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, as filed with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Shareholders wishing to receive a copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K are directed to write Paul D. Guichet, Vice President, Corporate Investor Relations, at the address of the Company.

PROPOSALS FOR 2010 ANNUAL MEETING

Any shareholder who wishes to present a proposal at the Company’s next Annual Meeting and who wishes to have the proposal included in the Company’s Proxy Statement and form of Proxy for the meeting must submit the proposal to the undersigned at the address of the Company not later than November 5, 2009. After this date, a stockholder who intends to raise a proposal to be acted upon at the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders must inform the Company in writing no later than December 4, 2009. If notice is not provided by that date, the Company’s Board of Directors may exclude such proposal from being acted upon at the 2010 meeting. Further, the persons named in the Company’s Proxy for the 2010 Annual Meeting will be allowed to exercise their discretionary authority to vote upon such proposal without the matter having been discussed in the Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors



George A. Schloegel	Carl J. Chaney	John M. Hairston
Chairman of the Board	President and CEO	CEO and Chief Operating Officer

Dated: March 2, 2009

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