Name Mark Hillman | Role Political leader | |
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Mark Hillman was elected to the Colorado State Senate in 1998. He served as Majority Leader from 2003 to 2004 and Minority Leader in 2005 before serving as State Treasurer from 2005 to 2006. He is a member of the Republican Party and was elected Republican National Committeeman on May 31, 2008.
Contents
- Early life
- Education
- Colorado State Senate
- Colorado State Treasurer
- Republican National Committeeman
- Publications
- Personal life
- References
Early life
Hillman grew up working his parents' farm in Burlington on Colorado's eastern plains. During high school, he took a part-time job with his hometown newspaper, the Burlington Record. After graduating from Burlington High School in 1985, he became a full-time sports editor, news reporter, photographer, and “jack of all trades.” In 1994, Hillman left the paper to work the family farm.
Education
Hillman took classes at Colby Community College in Kansas, Morgan Community College, and Regis University. He did not complete a degree.
Colorado State Senate
Hillman announced his candidacy for the State Senate in late 1997. After winning, he became the senator from the state’s largest legislative district, covering 12 counties and more than 21,000 square miles (54,000 km2). Hillman was elected to leadership posts for five of his seven years in the Senate, including both Majority Leader and Minority Leader.
Hillman’s leadership earned him National Legislator of the Year honors from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), “Taxpayer Champion” from the Colorado Union of Taxpayers, and numerous other awards in Colorado, including recognition from the Colorado Farm Bureau, the National Federation of Independent Business, the Colorado Civil Justice League, and the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry.
Colorado State Treasurer
Appointed as Colorado’s State Treasurer in June 2005 by Governor Bill Owens, Hillman served as the state's chief financial officer and guardian of the taxpayer, ensuring that public funds entrusted to the state were managed safely and effectively in the best interests of Coloradans. As treasurer, Hillman’s priorities included investing taxpayers dollars properly, improving the state’s financial stability, and empowering Coloradans through financial independence.
Republican National Committeeman
At the Republican State Convention on May 31, 2008, former United States Senator William L. Armstrong nominated Hillman for Republican National Committeeman, calling him "one of the greatest legislators in the history of Colorado." Hillman won and replaced United States Senate candidate Bob Schaffer as one of Colorado's three Republican National Committeemen.
Publications
Hillman's commentaries have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Rocky Mountain News, Denver Post, Colorado Springs Gazette, Pueblo Chieftain, Fort Collins Coloradoan, Greeley Tribune, Loveland Reporter-Herald, Longmont Daily Times-Call, Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, Durango Herald and other publications. He also comments as a guest or host for radio personalities Mike Rosen on Denver’s 850 KOA, John Andrews’ Backbone America, and Amy Oliver on Greeley’s KFKA 1310.
Personal life
Mark married Heidi Horvath on July 16, 2005.