Anita K. Mann
Anita K. Mann is Vice President of Business Banking at Hancock Whitney Bank, serving businesses across Central Texas from North Austin to San Antonio. She is a trusted advisor to small and mid-sized businesses, drawing on more than 22 years of experience in the banking industry. Anita specializes in delivering practical financial solutions tailored to each client’s growth and operational needs. Her expertise spans conventional lending, SBA opportunities up to $10 million, cash flow management, and long-term strategic planning, helping entrepreneurs and business owners navigate both everyday challenges and expansion opportunities.
Anita’s career journey began over two decades ago as a bank teller, driven by a willingness to learn, listen, and work diligently. Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology from San José State University and an MBA from Golden Gate University, which have shaped her client-focused approach by blending technical banking expertise with empathy, cultural awareness, and strong relationship building. Fluent in Punjabi and professionally proficient in Spanish, Anita connects deeply with clients across diverse communities, building trust-based relationships rooted in understanding and credibility.
Her passion for business banking is deeply personal. Anita grew up watching her father start his first business in 1986 in Campbell, California, opening an Indian cuisine restaurant where he worked as the chef and her mother served as the waitress. She witnessed firsthand the long hours, sacrifices, and determination required to build a successful business, as well as the critical role a trusted business banker played in helping her family grow. That first restaurant eventually expanded into multiple restaurant franchises, leaving a lasting impression on Anita and shaping her desire to support business owners as they build, scale, and strengthen their enterprises.
Beyond her professional role, Anita is deeply committed to community engagement and mentorship. She actively volunteers with initiatives such as Light the Night, Coats for Kids, and Second Harvest, and she remains involved with organizations including the Austin Chamber of Commerce and IT Serve. A first-generation college graduate and a dedicated parent, Anita is the proud mother of two energetic boys, ages 4 and 6, who keep her motivated and grounded. She views her work as both a professional mission and a personal responsibility, striving to create opportunity, representation, and meaningful impact for the clients and communities she serves.
• Golden Gate University - MBA
• Coats for Kids
• Second Harvest
• Light the Night
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a mindset of curiosity, hard work, and a willingness to learn. Twenty-two years ago, I walked into a bank as a teller with no title or corner office—just determination to listen, learn, and exceed expectations. Today, as Vice President of Business Banking at Hancock Whitney Bank in Austin, I advise small to mid-sized businesses across North Austin on a full spectrum of financial solutions, from conventional lending to SBA opportunities up to $10 million. The journey from teller to VP has not only shaped my career but has defined my sense of purpose.
I believe banking is ultimately about trust. While technical expertise can be taught, credibility, empathy, and the ability to connect cannot. My academic foundation—a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an MBA—has been instrumental in how I guide clients and lead teams. Psychology taught me to understand people across cultures and circumstances, while business training helped me translate that understanding into actionable strategies and measurable results. Speaking multiple languages further enables me to meet clients where they are—both literally and figuratively—building relationships rooted in understanding and mutual respect.
Before joining Hancock Whitney, I worked in private banking at JP Morgan, where I was recognized as a national achiever. While awards are meaningful, my greatest pride comes from being the first in my family to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees—a milestone that reminds me that representation matters and that success is rarely a solo journey. My children remain my greatest inspiration, and every professional accomplishment is, in some way, a reflection of the values I hope to pass on to them.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
As women in finance, we often navigate spaces where our presence is questioned. That’s why visibility and platforms that amplify women’s leadership are so important—they create opportunities for the next generation.
Networking and building trust are essential. You can teach technical skills, but qualities like personality, empathy, and connection make the difference. If you enjoy engaging with others, this industry can be incredibly rewarding.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Relocating to a growing banking market like Austin presents both challenges and opportunities. Hancock Whitney is building its presence here, and establishing credibility alongside long-standing institutions requires persistence, visibility, and active community engagement. Networking has been key. By participating in organizations such as the West Austin Chamber of Commerce, Women in Business, Texas Women in Business, TMAC, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I’ve been able to support women-owned and minority-owned businesses while also expanding my professional network.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Community involvement isn’t just an add-on to my career—it’s a responsibility. Whether supporting organizations like Night the Light, Coats for Kids, or Second Harvest, I believe leadership extends beyond the office. As a business banker, I strive to be a trusted advisor not only in financial matters but also in serving and strengthening the community.
Locations
Hancock Whitney Bank
Austin, TX 78640