Richard Geist

Richard A. Geist
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 79th district
In office
January 2, 1979 – 2013
Preceded by John P. Milliron
Succeeded by John McGinnis
Personal details
Born (1944-11-21) November 21, 1944
Altoona, Pennsylvania
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Jean Elizabeth Geist
Residence Altoona, Pennsylvania
Alma mater Pennsylvania State University
Website www.rickgeist.com

Richard A. "Rick" Geist is a former Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 79th District who was first elected in 1978.

Career

Prior to his election to the House, Geist worked as a senior manager with EADS, a civil engineering firm, in Altoona.

He was elected to the House in 1978 and has won re-election to each succeeding session of the House.

In 2001, Geist briefly considered running for the vacant ninth district congressional seat held by Rep. Bud Shuster. He stayed out of the race, only offering himself as a compromise candidate between two rival factions.[1]

He is Republican chairman of the House Transportation Committee and House Committee on Committees. He also sits on the House Rules and Commerce Committees. Geist is a past president of the High Speed Ground Transportation Association and the first chairman of the Pennsylvania High-Speed Intercity Rail Passenger Commission.

Geist was defeated by a member of the Tea Party in the primary on April 24, 2012, while seeking re-election to an anticipated 18th term. Dr. John D. McGinnis, a finance professor from Penn State Altoona now holds the position.

Personal

Geist is a graduate of Altoona Area High School and an associate degree from Penn State University - College of Engineering. He was also a Kellogg Fellow and a graduate of the Public Affairs Leadership Program.

Geist and his wife reside in Altoona.

References

  1. ↑ Tom Gibb (2001-01-25). "Bud Shuster's rival enters race against Shuster's son". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2008-09-16.
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