House Speaker

Paul Hillegonds

Paul Hillegonds served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1979 to 1996. During his tenure, he held leadership posts including Republican leader, Co-Speaker of the House and Speaker of the House. From 1997 to 2005 he served as president of Detroit Renaissance, a non-profit, civic group of Southeast Michigan business leaders. The organization focuses its efforts on economic development and public policy issues.

Hillegonds earned a law degree from Thomas Cooley Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Michigan. He currently is senior vice president of corporate affairs at DTE Energy.

Interviewed by Bill Ballenger
79 minutes, January 10, 2013