Southland’s Leadership Team

With over 25 years of Management, Sales, and Marketing experience, Joe Hocutt served as Senior Vice President of Southland Benefit Solutions from 2012 to 2016 when he was then promoted to President. After 11+ years in the corporate world of Dallas, Texas, Joe decided to found and manage his own business, where he remained for 11 more years before deciding to return home to Alabama. Mr. Hocutt graduated from The University of Alabama in 1985 and is also a graduate of the Executive Program at Northwestern University.

Mr. Hocutt served as Mayor of Colleyville during his time in Texas. Upon returning to Alabama, Joe became a founding board member of the Tuscaloosa Red Elephant Club and currently serves as the President of the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame, University of Alabama Chapter. In addition, Joe is an active member of the Tip Off Club. He and his wife reside in Tuscaloosa and their two children graduated from The University of Alabama.

Diane Beall has been employed with Southland for over 40 years. She has held many positions throughout her time here; including Manager of Underwriting, Assistant Vice President of Underwriting, Compliance Officer, and has been serving as Sr. Vice President of Insurance Operations since 2007. Diane is very active in her church and is a member of the Faith Riders Motorcycle Ministry – Tuscaloosa Chapter. In her time off, Diane and her husband enjoy traveling and riding motorcycles where they participate in several charity rides throughout the year. Every chance she gets, she will travel to Arkansas to spend time with her son and his family.

Andy Gardino, Senior Vice President of Information Technology, has been with Southland for over 25 years. Mr. Gardino has risen from his original position as a Systems Analyst to a leader at Southland. After studying Engineering Computer Science at the University of Alabama, Mr. Gardino started his IT career in 1990. He has over 30 years of experience in Information Technology. He is an active member of the community and serves on the Dream Team at Church of the Highlands. Andy enjoys traveling with his wife along with his daughter and son. He also likes to duck hunt, play tennis and be in the outdoors.