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Editor’s Note: This feature originally ran in the annual 20 Under 40 magazine which was a part of the LaGrange Daily News July 31 edition. If you would like to pick up a copy of the 20 Under 40 magazine, please visit our office at 115 Broad Suite 101.

A love of her hometown brought Lily Hamilton back to LaGrange after college. Now she works to advocate for and improve Downtown LaGrange.

Hamilton, 25, was born and raised in LaGrange. She moved to Carrollton in 2017 to attend the University of West Georgia, but once her time at UWG was over, she knew she wanted to come back home to LaGrange.

While at UWG, Hamilton earned a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art and a minor in Marketing. The latter she uses in her current job as the Director of Promotions and Marketing for the Downtown LaGrange Development Authority. She joined the DLDA in 2022 and transitioned into full-time later that year.

Hamilton says her favorite part of working for the DLDA is putting together events for the community to come out and enjoy.

“Hosting events where families can come out, enjoy one another, and make lasting memories is extremely rewarding. Our downtown is truly special and I think it is something we can easily take for granted, so it truly brings me joy seeing people come together to enjoy it and support our hard-working business owners. Investing in our town and in future generations is the best feeling,” Hamilton said.

Although she works professionally using the marketing side of her education, Hamilton is an accomplished artist with her artwork exhibited both internationally and across America. 

“I was blessed to have had a painting be accepted to an exhibition at the Met Pavilion in New York City and from there travel to Los Angeles, have a drawing accepted in an exhibition in Edinburgh, Scotland, and have other works in local exhibitions in Carrollton,” she said.

She said she would love to be able to pursue art and interior design as a full-time job someday.

In addition to serving the city through the DLDA, Hamilton volunteers with Bike MS, a nationwide fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and helps with their annual Georgia Peach ride that is hosted in LaGrange. She also serves on the Historic Preservation Committee with the City of LaGrange and is a graduate of last year’s Leadership Troup class.

When she’s not working, volunteering or spending time with her family, Hamilton can often be found kickboxing at The Body Shop, a local women’s gym.

Hamilton has been married to her wonderful husband, Jacob Hester, of two years. The couple are part owners of two baseball facilities – one in Peachtree City, GA, and another in Lake Charles, Louisiana.