He has been a local 4-H leader for 15 years and is a founding member of both the Windsor Area Ambulance Service and Shelby County Crimestoppers. Hampton is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Agriculture and has served on the college's advisory board. Governor George Ryan appointed Hampton Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture in January 1999. Hampton is the chief advocate for Illinois agriculture, working through the department's Bureau of Marketing and Promotion to seek added value for Illinois products. He is responsible for administration of more than 90 statutes and some 650 employees.
Objectives Make agriculture more consumer oriented with a focus on food quality and safety.
Expand markets for all Illinois products. Advance agricultural profitability. Make Illinois a leading catalyst for the advancement of biotechnology. Promote awareness of agriculture's infrastructure needs, specifically the importance of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. Promote agricultural stewardship of natural resources.