Dove Foundation Advisor Bio - The Hon. Bill Hardiman

State Senator Bill Hardiman, was born in Pontiac, Michigan on May 26, 1947. In 1949, the Hardiman family moved to the Grand Rapids area and has since resided there. Senator Hardiman has been very active in his community for many years.

In addition to being elected to the State Senate, Hardiman has served as Mayor of the City of Kentwood from 1992-2002. He has also served on the board of directors for the Grand Rapids Transit Authority, the Gerald R. Ford Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Grand Rapids Housing Center, Michigan Municipal League, United Way of Kent County, Spectrum Health Services, Grand Valley Metropolitan Council, Kentwood Foundation, Grand Bank, Crime Victim Foundation, Grand Valley State University Foundation, Right Place Program (a regional economic development organization) as well as The Dove Foundation.

Senator Hardiman holds an Associate of Arts degree from Grand Rapids Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Western Michigan University.

Senator Hardiman has been exceptionally active in his church, Grand Rapids First Assembly of God. Senator Hardiman was appointed by Governor Engler to the Secchia Commission on Total Quality Government and the Act 51 Transit Committee. Additionally he has received special recognition by the Ohio House of Representatives for political, civic, and community contributions. He has also received a number of awards for his service.

Senator Hardiman speaks about hardships that he has endured as a child and the valuable life lessons that have shaped his beliefs. This has coherently guided Senator Hardiman to have a strong faith in God.

Senator Hardiman has gained national attention as one of the founders and current Chairman of Healthy Marriages Grand Rapids formerly known as the Greater Grand Rapids Community Marriage Policy, a broad-based program to promote strong marriages and family life.

Senator Hardiman and his wife Clova, of 33 years, reside in Kentwood. He was elected in November of 2002 to represent the 29th State Senate district, representing the cities of Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Lowell and the townships of Cascade, Lowell, Vergennes and Grattan.

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