Jerry Hayden

Jerry Hayden is a retired American businessman and conservative donor.

Personal life and education Hayden graduated from Woodruff High School in Peoria, Illinois in 1951. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, Hayden attended Bradley University on the G.I. Bill. Hayden also served as captain of the track team, and was awarded an athletic scholarship. Hayden and his wife, Marilyn, both attended Bradley University.

Career Hayden joined Peacock Engineering, a packaging services company,

Political activity Hayden and his wife are major backers of the Club for Growth, giving $400,000 to the conservative organization in 2012. Hayden has also donated to FreedomWorks and the political causes of the Koch Brothers.

He also served as an elector in the 2016 US presidential election for Republican candidate Donald Trump in Arizona. Trump won the state.

Philanthropy Hayden and his wife pledged $2.5 million to Bradley University toward construction of a new alumni center.