Midas Hampton, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of Strategic Spartanburg, Inc., a nonprofit research organization dedicated to using data and evidence to improve the quality of life in Spartanburg County. His experience spans direct service, community development, research, policy, and evaluation, with a strong focus on community-driven approaches. He serves on several local advisory boards, including Spartanburg Academic Movement’s Movement 2030 Community Advisory Board and Live Healthy Spartanburg’s Community Advisory Board. His work also extends nationally through collaborations with organizations like the Urban Institute, United for A.L.I.C.E, and Purpose Built Communities.

Dr. Hampton began his academic journey at the University of South Carolina-Upstate, earning a BS before pursuing a master’s degree in public administration from Seattle University. He recently completed his Ph.D. in Urban Leadership and Entrepreneurship (emphasis in Urban Sustainability and Resilience) at the University of the District of Columbia, where his research explored neighborhood change, quality-of-life indicators, data equity, community development, and stakeholder engagement.

He lives in Spartanburg with his partner, Lauren, their two daughters and the family dog. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with his family, backpacking national parks or engaging with the community in meaningful ways.