Richard Allen Geist

Background

Geist, Richard Allen was born on November 21, 1944 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of James Dysart and Catharine Geist.

Education

Associate Degree, Pennsylvania State University, 1965.

Career

Prior to his election to the House, Geist worked as a senior manager with the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, a civil engineering firm, in Altoona. In 2001, Geist briefly considered running for the vacant ninth district congressional seat held by Republican Bud Shuster. He stayed out of the race, only offering himself as a compromise candidate between two rival factions.

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.

Doctor John Doctorate. McGinnis, a finance professor from Penn State Altoona now holds the position. He was also was a Kellogg Fellow and a graduate of the Public Affairs Leadership Program.

Achievements

• Richard Allen Geist has been listed as a noteworthy state legislator by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Committeeman Blair County Republican Party, since 1972. Race director Altoona Bicycle Club, tour de' toona race. Event chairman Olympic Road Trials and National Championships, 1992, past. president Neighborhood Housing Program.

Board directors Keystone Restoration and Preservation. Member Canan Station Volunteer Fire Company. Member Penns Woods Council Boy Scouts American.

Commissioner, manager George B. Kelley Junior Federation. Past secretary, treasurer Blair County PIAA Wrestling Offcls., board directors Railroaders Memorial Museum. Member National Rifle Association, Blair County Mental Health Association, Bavarian Aide Society, National Republican Legislators Association, Travelers Protection Association, National Railway History Society, Blair County Law Enforcement Association, Blair County Game, Fish and Forestry Association, Altoona Barbell Club, Trout Unlimited, Automobile Association American (board directors).

Interests

• Bicycling, weightlifting.

Connections

Married Jean Elizabeth Dillen.

Father:

James Dysart Geist

Mother:

Catharine Geist

Spouse:

Jean Elizabeth Dillen.