John Hilgert

John A. Hilgert (born January 8, 1964) is a politician from Nebraska serving as the Director of the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs since 2001. Hilgert served in the Nebraska Legislature from 1995 to 2001.

Early career Hilgert was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and graduated from Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School in 1982. He attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, graduating with his bachelor's degree in business administration in 1986. Hilgert then attended the Creighton University School of Law, where he graduated with his juris doctor in 1989. In the primary election, Hilgert placed first with 55 percent of the vote, and advanced to the general election against Christiansen, who received 36 percent of the vote. In the general election, Hilgert defeated Christiansen by a wide margin, winning 56 percent of the vote.

Hilgert considered running for Congress against Republican Congressman Lee Terry in 2002, but ultimately declined to do so, citing his inability to raise sufficient campaign funds to mount a credible campaign.

Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs In 2001, Republican Governor Mike Johanns appointed Hilgert as the director of the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs. Hilgert was retained as director under governors Dave Heineman, Pete Ricketts, and Jim Pillen.