Biography
James French Hill, born on December 5, 1956, in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a ninth-generation Arkansan and a member of the Republican Party. He has represented Arkansas's 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since January 2015. In the 119th Congress, he serves as Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.
Before his congressional tenure, Hill was deeply involved in the Arkansas business community. He founded Delta Trust & Banking Corporation in 1999, serving as its Chairman and CEO until its acquisition in 2014. His prior experience includes roles as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Corporate Finance from 1989 to 1991 and Executive Secretary to the President’s Economic Policy Council under President George H.W. Bush from 1991 to 1993.
Hill is married to Martha McKenzie, and they have two children. The family resides in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Education
-
Bachelor of Arts in Economics, magna cum laude, Vanderbilt University
Political Experience
-
U.S. House of Representatives: Representative for Arkansas's 2nd Congressional District
- Chairman, House Financial Services Committee
- Vice Chairman, House Financial Services Committee
- Chairman, Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Inclusion
- Member, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
- Member, House Foreign Affairs Committee
-
Executive Branch Service:
- Executive Secretary, President’s Economic Policy Council
- Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Corporate Finance
-
Legislative Staff:
- Staff Member, U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs
- Assistant to Senator John Tower
Notable Achievements
-
Financial Services Leadership: As Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Hill has played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. financial policy.
-
Digital Assets and Financial Technology: Led initiatives to provide legal clarity and frameworks for digital assets, aiming to boost job creation and capital investment in the U.S.
-
International Relations: Advocated for global religious freedom and held foreign leaders accountable for human rights violations.
-
Community Engagement: Served as past President of the Rotary Club of Little Rock and as the 2013 Chairman of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce.
-
Awards and Recognition: Received the Distinguished Service Award from U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Nicholas Brady in January 1993 for his leadership and service.
Hill's extensive experience in both the public and private sectors underscores his commitment to economic development, financial innovation, and community service.
