John Hager

John Hager graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and from Harvard University with a Master's Degree in Business Administration. He served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, rising to the rank of Captain. He is a member of the American Legion. A lifelong athlete, Hager has participated in many wheelchair races and marathons. Hager married the former Margaret Dickinson Chase in 1970. Magie and their two sons, Jack and Henry, have long supported John's quest to build a better Virginia. A business executive who started at the bottom of the career ladder, John rose quickly through the ranks of The American Tobacco Company to the position of Executive Vice President. After a near-fatal bout with Polio, John rebuilt his life and his career. He continued to work for the Company in serveral capacities and retired as Senior Vice President for Leaf and Specialty Products when the corporation was sold in 1994. Hager was elected to Virginia's second highest office, that of Lieutenant Governor, in 1997 and served in that position for four years. Hager became the Director of Homeland Security for Virginia soon after the events of September 11, 2001 and served in that position until May 1, 2004. He was nominated by President George W. Bush on June 1, 2004 to the position of Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and confirmed by the Senate on November 21, 2004. Hager completed his work with the Department of Education on August 1, 2007. He was elected Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia on July 27, 2007 and served to complete the unexpired term of Ed Gillespie in June 2008. He led the party to financial stability and a rebirth of grassroots emphasis.