Carltez Hampton, a 17-year veteran of the H.L. Neblett Community Center, has been named the organization’s next executive director, continuing a journey that began behind the wheel of a van transporting children to and from school.
Hampton has served in several roles at the center over the years, most recently as interim executive director. He said when the Neblett board offered him the permanent position, it was a no-brainer.
“I’m here to stay. As long as the good Lord keeps waking me up, I’ll be here every day,” he said.
Hampton said his immediate focus is on strengthening existing programs, supporting staff, and ensuring families receive high-quality child care while reconnecting the center with the broader community.
Hampton first joined the center more than 17 years ago as a van driver. Within days, he took on maintenance work after a staff member retired, eventually moving into child care leadership roles while attending college. He later became assistant daycare director, then daycare director, before stepping into the interim executive director role.
“I was kind of known as the person who would raise my hand if something needed to be done,” Hampton said. “They knew if nobody else would do it, I would.”
Hampton said his motivation for working at the center is deeply personal.
“I’ve got a troubled past. I made a lot of bad decisions,” he said. “While I was incarcerated, I told myself that when I got out, I wanted to make a difference in kids’ lives so they wouldn’t make the same mistakes I did. Seventeen years later, I’m still committed to helping these youngsters make better choices.”
Though Hampton did not grow up attending the Neblett Center directly, he said he frequently spent time there as a youth and worked at the center briefly after high school. After his release from incarceration, returning to Neblett was one of his first stops.
Despite encouragement from colleagues and mentors, Hampton said he never envisioned himself leading the organization.
“I never wanted to, and honestly, I was fearful,” he said. “This center has one heck of a legacy. The last thing I would want is for it to crumble under my leadership. But some people saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself.”
Hampton cited longtime leaders Greg Black and Olga McKissick as key mentors, along with Keith Cottoner and Rick Searcy.
“I try to lead the way they led,” Hampton said. “I’ll never be able to match them, but I take what I’ve learned from them and apply it every day.”
Founded in 1936 by Hattie Louise Neblett and her husband Dr. Regional Claypool Neblett, the H.L. Neblett Community Center is approaching its 90th year of service. Mrs. Neblett, an educator, recognized the need for a safe space and structured programming for Black youth in Owensboro. At the same time, Dr. Neblett served the community as a physician and first responder.
“My biggest fear was letting Dr. and Mrs. Neblett and their legacy down,” Hampton said. “They saw a need for youth to have a safe place to come, and that’s what I want to continue. I want to make them proud.”
Hampton emphasized that the center serves more than just youth, offering programs for all ages across Owensboro.
“We’re committed to Owensboro, not just this neighborhood,” he said.
The center operates recreation programs, which have recently been expanded to include children as young as 8, as well as a mature adult program known as Morning Joe. The adult program meets twice a month and features speakers, outings, and social gatherings. Hampton also pointed to partnerships that provide free access to fitness facilities and wellness programming.
Among the initiatives currently underway are new playground installations, a food distribution partnership that will provide weekly assistance to community members, a health-focused competition in collaboration with Owensboro Health, and expanded efforts to address mental health needs among both youth and adults.
Hampton hopes residents will visit the center and learn about the resources available.
“A lot of people don’t even know we exist,” he said. “Come check us out. We’ve got exercise rooms, dance rooms, yoga rooms, meeting spaces, and cafeterias. This is the community’s house, too.”
The Neblett Center’s tagline, “Changing Lives in Changing Times,” remains central to Hampton’s vision.
“That’s all we want to do,” he said. “Change lives and help people meet their goals. If we can help, we will. If we can’t, we’ll find someone who can.”
