Karen Hampton joined the Georgia Department of Economic Development as Director of Human Resources in 2006. In this role, she oversees and provides advice regarding all human resources functions, including staffing and recruitment, compensation, benefits, payroll, policy, employee relations and development working closely across all sectors of administrative operations. Karen is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and is a trained mediator.
Karen has worked in human resources within Georgia state government for over 30 years. She began her career with the Georgia Merit System of State Personnel Administration, where she was promoted to Personnel Director in 1996. In 2000, Karen accepted the position of Director of Human Resources for the Georgia Office of State Administrative Hearings, where she served until joining GDEcD.
Karen received Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Master of Public Administration degrees from the University of Georgia. Professional affiliations include the Georgia Council for Human Resources and the Society for Human Resource Management.
An Atlanta native, Karen is an active volunteer in the community. Current volunteer roles include the Atlanta FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, and the Metro Atlanta Galloway Marathon Training Program.