Hamm graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1984, commissioning into the United States Marine Corps. As an Infantry Officer, his career included tours in operational roles in the Fleet Marine Forces and Marine Forces headquarters, instructor duty in the Supporting Establishment, manpower and force structure analyst roles at Headquarters Marine Corps, strategic planning billets at two Combatant Commands and deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
He holds an M.S. in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School and has completed courses at the Joint Forces Staff College, Maritime Warfare Center (UK), National Defense University and Naval War College.
His civilian work experience, with several companies, consisted primarily of program management for the implementation of a variety wireless telecommunications networks on four continents.
Hamm retired from active duty in 2012. Much of his later uniformed career and current interest was/is focused on organizational and individual development. He continues to serve as a consulting analyst at Marine Corps Forces Central Command, principally providing training, guidance, and mentorship to junior and mid-career staff. He has served on several non-profit workforce and personnel development committees. He is active in the mentoring and development of youth through Scouting and those seeking appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.
Hamm and his wife Donna reside in Tampa, FL. They have four wonderful daughters and a growing number of grandchildren.