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PUBLIC INFORMATION
AND EDUCATION
Hampton Retires After 37 Years With StateASSISTANT COMMISSIONER KNOWN FOR LEADERSHIP AND DEDICATION NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (TDMHDD) Assistant Commissioner Melanie Hampton retired December 31 after 37 years of service. “Melanie made innumerable contributions to this department,” said TDMHDD Commissioner Virginia Trotter Betts. “Her leadership and dedication made her one of the most respected persons in state government. We wish the very best in her new endeavors. She will be greatly missed.” A native of Chattanooga, Tenn., Hampton received her BS and Masters degrees from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro and a EDS from George Peabody College in Nashville. She joined the TDMHDD in 1966 as a recreational therapist at Clover Bottom Developmental Center. During her tenure Hampton also served as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, Director of Community Mental Health Programs, Director of Institute Services and Assistant Superintendent for Institute Program Services. Known for her warmth, caring and generosity Hampton focused on associates and patients, fostering teamwork and providing a healthy, productive, environment. She also had a reputation for getting things accomplished. “The parts of her career she enjoyed most were “hands-on,” said TDMHDD Deputy Assistant Commissioner Marthagem Whitlock. “She liked serving and being at the grass roots level. “A people person all the way – but firm. Under Melanie you did your job and you did it right.” A new phase of Hampton’s career has begun. She has joined Foundations in Nashville, a company that provides a continuum of care for persons with co-occurring disorders. It is another avenue for her skills and personality to bring benefit to other people. She will be missed. For more information visit the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities at : www.state.tn.us/mental. |
