HAMPTON THAMES
59 , Meridian Citizens National Bank , President
Thames ’ nominator : “ In 2017 , Hampton was named Man of the Year in the Meridian Star ’ s Readers ’ Choice Contest . Upon accepting that award , he stated that he loves living in Meridian and said he wishes that , ‘ … as we try and turn our community into what we want it to be , that we will all look at the positives rather than focusing on the negatives .’”
Professional affiliations : Community Foundation of East Mississippi , Vice President ; Meridian Community College , Board of Trustees
Civic , social and / or church affiliations : Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi , Treasurer ; Rotary Club of Meridian , Member ; Central United Methodist Church , Member .
Origins of spirit of altruism : My parents were incredible role models for me all during my life with their selfless service to others . I was very fortunate that I was able to be a member of the Meridian Jaycees when I first moved to Meridian in 1988 , as I was able to act out those attributes almost on a monthly basis . The last line of the Jaycee Creed , “ service to humanity is the best work of life ” is emblematic of why I stay involved and volunteer .
Importance of giving back to the community : My father always believed that it is not enough to only live in a community but to you must get involved and give back to make it better for all . I agree !
Share an aspect of a volunteer experience that you ’ ve really enjoyed : In April 2014 , a tornado ripped through Tupelo , Mississippi , damaging much of the town , particularly the hotels . The city was set to host the largest annual youth soccer tournament at that time , The Presidents Cup . I was a member of the Meridian Youth Soccer Organization and we knew it was going to be tough for them to host the event two weeks later so we offered to move the tournament to Meridian . It is no small accomplishment to plan , implement and pull off a tournament with 125 soccer teams with a year to plan , much less two weeks . I remember being incredibly proud of our community and how well we all worked together to make it a huge success .
I have never been asked to serve on a city or county task force but would love the opportunity as the goal would be focused on improving an area of our community .
Community ’ s greatest assets : I feel that the people of Meridian and Lauderdale County are our community ’ s greatest asset . In my position with Citizens National Bank , I am able to see the impact first hand of how our citizens positively impact our community .
Motto or favorite quote : Don ’ t sweat the small things and keep focusing on the big picture !
• Hampton Thames and his wife Michele have been married 28 years . They have two sons , Davis and Will .
20 • TIMELESS MERIDIAN