In a close-knit community northwest of downtown Birmingham, a young Joe Hampton grew up watching his hardworking parents give freely to their Pratt City neighbors, even when they didn’t have much to spare. 

“I come from humble beginnings,” Hampton said. “My father worked in the coal mines, and my mom worked at a local beauty salon. Although neither one earned a lot of money, they were always willing to support others if they saw them in need.”

Now, as president of Spire Alabama, Gulf Coast and Mississippi, Hampton hasn’t forgotten where his story began. Those early lessons in generosity didn’t just stick with him; they shaped the way he leads today.

“It’s an honor to lead an organization in the same state where I’ve grown up,” Hampton said. “I see myself as an example of what so many young men and women can achieve here in Alabama.”

His leadership is rooted in connection, whether he’s mentoring young talent or ensuring families have access to reliable energy.

“My daily goal is to show up with enthusiasm and intentionality to serve,” he said. “This includes providing guidance to those who want to learn more about our industry, taking care of our customers and supporting our team members tasked with the responsibility of providing top-notch service daily.”

That sense of purpose dates back to 1992, when Hampton became an intern at Alabama Gas Corporation, now Spire.  He steadily rose through the ranks, picking up wisdom from every corner of the business. 

“From the janitor to the CEO to the elderly woman coming into the office needing assistance with her bill, each interaction left an impression,” he said. 

Investing in Alabama’s workforce 

Hampton credits his professional growth to mentors who believed in him and encouraged him to add his voice to important conversations. In paying it forward, Hampton has prioritized workforce development in Spire’s southeast region to help the next generation of utility leaders step into their careers. 

This effort includes the recent launch of the “Get into Energy” program, a hands-on training experience that Spire created in partnership with Lawson State Community College to equip students with the skills needed for entry-level employment opportunities in the natural gas industry. 

The program’s first cohort graduated in January 2025, with several students being offered jobs on the spot. Students who successfully completed the program also earned certifications in CDL A Training, OSHA 10 card, CPR, trenching, ACE, skid steer operation and mini excavator operation. 

“I believe everyone deserves an opportunity to be successful, and it’s the responsibility of those with resources to step up and offer support,” Hampton said. “Developing a skilled and prepared workforce is critical for Spire and the entire state of Alabama.”

Showing up as a neighbor, not just a utility

Community investment isn’t just a strategy for Hampton. It’s deeply rooted in his upbringing. 

“My mother’s heart was so big,” he recalled. “She would pick up total strangers on the side of the road to get them to their destination. She’d learn all she could about them and their family during the ride. After dropping them off, we’d return later that day to bring them a plate of food to ensure they had a warm meal. Witnessing my mother’s acts of kindness and caring for others is why I’m passionate about supporting the communities we serve.”

That spirit of generosity shows up in how Spire supports students, nonprofits and underserved neighborhoods across Alabama and Mississippi. Whether it’s providing school supplies, warm meals or resources for energy assistance, Hampton believes every act of service matters.

“At its core, community investment is using your resources to cultivate positive impact,” he said. “This practice is at the heart of who we are as a company.”

In fiscal year 2024, Spire invested $6.5 million in communities across its footprint.

Spire’s external affairs team plays a key role in keeping the company connected to these communities. Under Hampton’s leadership, the Southeast team works closely with organizations dedicated to helping underserved populations, engages regularly with local leaders — including mayors, council members and county commissioners — and maintains ongoing communication with the Alabama delegation in Washington, D.C., to address critical issues affecting customers and the energy industry.

“This high level of engagement facilitates the increase in awareness of what Spire can provide to all members of the communities in which we operate,” Hampton said. “The overarching goal is to educate residents on our programs to assist with bill payments, rebates, conversions, financing and create opportunities for our employees to volunteer to disseminate this information.”

Looking ahead 

After more than 30 years in the industry, what keeps him going is seeing how much of a difference the people at Spire are making each day. 

“It’s hard not to be excited about working for a company that provides our customers a reliable and affordable energy source and shows up every day to make the communities where we live and work a little bit better,” he said. 

Spire has been part of Alabama for more than 160 years. Hampton believes the company’s next chapter will be shaped by the leaders it raises, the relationships it builds and the lives it impacts.

“Through my actions, I want my team to understand that caring for others is the best part of becoming a leader everyone deserves,” he said.