Every year at the Hamilton Community Foundation's Annual Meeting the David L. Belew Legacy Award is presented to an individual or family who have made significant contributions of time, talent and resources to improve the quality of life in our community.  This year, William L. "Bill" Groth was selected for 2021.

Bill has a long history of service to the Hamilton Community Foundation and the Hamilton community. Bill moved to Hamilton over 50 years ago and quickly found a place to call home, give back to and support. Shortly after coming to Hamilton in 1970, Bill met with Otis Briggs. Otis, the director of the United Way and of the Hamilton Community Foundation, encouraged Bill to get involved in leadership roles in the local non-profit community.

So, while Bill was building his career at 2nd National Bank, he began his long and distinguished service as a leader in the philanthropic community. Bill was a founding board member of Neighborhood Housing Services and one of the first members of the Hamilton Community Foundation’s Investment Committee. It was also in Bill’s early years that he and his family joined New London Hills Club. This experience allowed Bill to make lifelong friends and create lifelong memories. He indicated that his children “grew up” at New London. In addition to hanging out at the pool and supporting his children, Bill went on to serve on the board of New London Hill and even served as President of the club.

As Bill’s career moved forward with important positions at Star Bank and Key Bank, he continued to grow in his role as a community leader. In addition to board service at Neighborhood Housing and New London, Bill has served and/or continues to serve on the boards of Primary Health Solutions, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, and the Hamilton Community Foundation. Bill is one of only a handful of individuals who have served two, nine year stretches on the Foundation Board. In addition, he served as treasurer, vice chair and board chair of the Foundation.

Bill was one of the critical Foundation leaders when the Foundation made the decision to become engaged in promoting economic development activities. Bill’s knowledge, experience and wisdom were crucial in the Foundation’s journey into economic development leadership in the community.

In 1997 Bill opened his own firm – National Retirement Consultants - where he provided financial consulting services to numerous individuals and families in Hamilton and beyond. Last year Bill associated his practice with 9258 Wealth, allowing for him to continue working with clients, while also spending more time in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Bill is a longtime donor to the Foundation and to many other causes in the community. Additionally, through his professional work, Bill had introduced other generous donors to the Foundation and has assisted with creation of a number of charitable funds.

Bill is married to Jackie, a retired educator. They have four grown children: Andy, Carrie, Adam, and John.

Bill Groth is a true community leader who has excelled in his chosen career, but also in his additional career of community leadership. The Hamilton Community Foundation – and the Hamilton community – benefited immensely from Bill’s service and dedication.