Brett Hamm may serve behind the scenes, but his impact on Oklahoma City, the state, and even at the national level is far from invisible.

 

Hamm, 36, serves as Chief of Staff and assistant to Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. He is the mayor's primary advisor, making recommendations on the right course of action on policy, economic development and administrative issues.

 

He is a former executive director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he spent three years leading the Chamber's legislative, political and public affairs programs in partnership with local and state Chambers.

 

As a new University of Oklahoma graduate, Hamm's first post-college post led to eight years on U.S. Senator Don Nickles' staff, where he weathered two re-election campaigns. During his tenure, Hamm aided in drafting anti-terror legislation and helped victims of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing participate in trail proceedings.

 

Hamm also is the incoming chairman of Prevent Blindness Oklahoma, an organization with special meaning to him. Hamm's son was 2 years old when diagnosed with malignant eye tumors, and his survival continues to inspire Hamm's community involvement with organizations such as the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

 

But Hamm's career as an advisor was sparked by some good advice from a high school English teacher.

 

"My teacher told me that the best thing you can do with your time is invest it in something that outlasts it," Hamm said. "I always remembered that advice and tried to live by it."

 

Hamm said he enjoys his role in Oklahoma City government and wants to become more involved in the city's development.

 

"When I turn 40, I want to have been continuing on the path of contributing to making Oklahoma City greater," he said.