Biography

Born and raised in a small town in Southern Ohio, Steve Stivers learned from his parents the values of hard work, public service and working together to get things done. These are the values he has lived – working his way through college at The Ohio State University, working for the Ohio Company and Bank One, and serving in the Ohio Army National Guard.

With a love for our country, and a commitment to the American way of life, Steve joined the Ohio Army National Guard. Now, with more than 27 years of service, Steve Stivers holds the rank of Colonel and is proud to have served our nation oversees for nearly a year as a Battalion Commander in a combat zone during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar and Djibouti. While deployed, Lieutenant Colonel Stivers led 400 soldiers and contractors and is proud that each and every individual returned safely home following their mission. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his accomplishments and leadership during the deployment.

Steve served as a State Senator from January 2003 until December 2008. Throughout his career in the Ohio General Assembly, State Senator Steve Stivers was an advocate for programs and initiatives that promoted economic development and encouraged job creation. Among his legislative accomplishments Steve is most proud of his work to help disabled Ohioans obtain medical coverage, the passage of a fiscally conservative state budget, providing the largest property tax cut in Ohio history and freezing tuition costs for Ohio’s college students.

Steve has worked in the private sector, working with companies to improve operations, explore new opportunities, and create and retain jobs. Stivers saw as a consultant and small businessman firsthand the struggles facing small businesses and is working in Congress to create a more positive business environment in our state, one in which small businesses can thrive and succeed.

With all of his priorities – a dedication to public service, his work to help small businesses and his commitment as a member of the armed services – Steve considers his family his top priority. Steve and his wife Karen reside in Columbus, where they are raising their children Sarah and Sam.