Will Hampton understands local government communication challenges. For nearly 24 years he led the highly successful municipal government communications and marketing department for the City of Round Rock, Texas that won more than 100 awards from national and state associations. He is regarded as an innovative and creative storyteller who gets results. Will has been recognized by his peers as the 2018 Communicator of the Year by 3CMA, and the 2021 Cheryl A. Soward Communicator of Distinction by the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers.

Will’s extensive communications experience includes branding, website content development, social media, video production, cable access channel management, print and digital newsletters, and citizen surveys. His experience and approach to citizen engagement has resulted in the successful implementation of a $330 million regional water project, transportation master plans, a $600 million economic development private-public partnership, and a 10-year service plan for one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. He now brings this knowledge and passion to every engagement, conference, workshop, and class that he facilitates as Sr. Vice President for SGR's Leadership Development & Training.

Prior to his government work, Will worked as a reporter and editor at newspapers in Round Rock, Galveston and Bay City, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and holds various certifications in leadership, citizen engagement and emergency response. He’s married with two adult sons and stays connected to his local community by serving as vice president of the parish council at his church.