Kerry Lynn Bentivolio is an American politician, educator, military veteran, and former automotive designer who represented Michigan’s 11th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2015.
Key Overview & Background
Military Service & Career
- Military Background: Bentivolio served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as an infantry rifleman. He later joined the Michigan Army National Guard as a reservist, completing more than 20 years of service, including a combat deployment to Iraq in 2007 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- Private Sector & Teaching: Before entering federal office, he spent two decades working as an automotive designer, followed by over 15 years as a high school teacher. He has also worked as a farmer and small business owner in Oakland County, Michigan.
Congressional Tenure
- U.S. House of Representatives (113th Congress): Elected as a Republican in November 2012 to represent Michigan’s 11th District.
- Committee Assignments: Served on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the House Committee on Small Business.
- Policy Focus: Positioned as a constitutional conservative, focusing on fiscal restraint, government transparency, and small business support.
Executive & Advisory Board Roles
- Executive Board Member – Gonen Corp: Engaged in executive oversight and strategic guidance.
- Advisory Board for Veterans Affairs: Draws upon his extensive multi-decade military record across several eras (Vietnam, Gulf War era, and Iraq) to advocate for policies, outreach, and services supporting U.S. military veterans.