Doug Hogan

Government Relations, PR, Advocacy, & Comms pro; loves politics & KY state government. Tweets are my own-not an endorsement

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

Happy anniversary to my beautiful bride @hogiemom! I’m blessed beyond measure with the best wife and mommy to our two kids @Jacob_Hogan03 &@laurens_hogan!❤️ #37Years

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

Memorial Day honor.

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

Happy Mother’s Day to my wife @Hogiemom2 ! Our kids are so blessed to have the best mom ever! ❤️ @Jacob_Hogan03 @laurens_hogan

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

💙 💙 💙

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

We have a Civil Engineer in the house! Our boy @Jacob_Hogan03 is in the 1st UK graduation of the day! SO PROUD! You can watch the ceremonies here: https://t.co/aYAWKDQWFo @hogiemom @laurens_hogan

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

…. The sun shines bright… commemorating Kentucky Derby 152!

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

I was blessed to work with Becky 25 years ago, soon after the GOP gained the Majority. She was Chief and I was the Comms Director. Becky is a tremendous leader and a dear friend. The annex won’t be the same without her. But she certainly has earned her retirement! @KYSenateGOP

[KY Senate Majority @KYSenateGOP]

SENATE HONORS BECKY HARILSON FOR DECADES OF SERVICE

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 15, 2026) — The Kentucky Senate honored longtime Chief of Staff Rebecca "Becky" Harilson on Wednesday for more than three decades of service to the institution and the commonwealth, recognizing her leadership, institutional knowledge and steady presence across generations of lawmakers and legislative staff.

Harilson, orginally from Louisville and residing in Nicholasville, began her career with the General Assembly in 1989, played a central role in shaping the modern Kentucky Senate, serving under multiple leaders in both the minority caucus and eventually in a supermajority caucus and helping guide the chamber through periods of growth and transition.

Harilson was a key figure in the wide majority margins currently held by the Republican caucus in the Senate.
As chief of staff to Senate President Robert Stivers, Harilson has overseen administrative operations of the President’s office and coordinated the work of the Senate Majority Caucus, helping expand staff capacity and support an evolving legislative agenda.

Stivers said Harilson’s career is defined by her deep commitment to the institution and the people who serve within it.

“Becky has been a constant through decades of change in this Senate,” Stivers said. “She has seen the institution through historic moments, but what has always mattered most to her is making sure this body operates fairly and that every member has what they need to serve.”

Stivers said Harilson’s influence extended far beyond policy and procedure and shaped the culture of the Senate itself.

“She cares about this institution, but more importantly she cares about the people in it,” Stivers said. “Whether it was helping a new member find their footing or making sure someone’s family was taken care of during a difficult time, she approached every situation with compassion and purpose.”

He added that her leadership style left a lasting impression on generations of lawmakers.

“She could be firm when she needed to be, but more often it was a steady, thoughtful approach that made people feel supported and respected,” Stivers said. “To many of us, she will always be ‘Mama Becky.’”

Throughout her tenure, Harilson was widely regarded as a trusted advisor and a stabilizing force within the Capitol, helping navigate complex policy debates and major transitions, including redistricting efforts and leadership changes.

She also stepped into key leadership roles during pivotal moments, serving as acting co-director of the Legislative Research Commission on multiple occasions and providing continuity during times of institutional change.

Colleagues credited Harilson not only for her expertise, but for her mentorship and commitment to the people around her.

“What an honor it is to stand and celebrate someone who has meant so much to so many of us,” Senate President Pro Tem David Givens, R-Greensburg, said. “The days are long, but the years are short, and Becky has helped guide all of us through both.”

Givens recalled that for many new members, Harilson was one of the first people they encountered when entering the Senate.

“You would get that call asking you to come to Frankfort, and it felt like a call from God’s assistant,” he said. “She knew the connections, the challenges you were going to face and how to help you navigate them before you even got started.”

He added that Harilson had a unique ability to make everyone feel valued, even in difficult moments.

“She makes every member feel like they are the most important person in the room, even when she is telling you something you may not want to hear,” Givens said. “You leave feeling respected, heard and better prepared.”

Givens also pointed to her leadership style and the example she set for others.

“She has shown all of us the value of being part of something bigger than ourselves,” he said. “She has challenged us to be better, to aim higher and to serve with purpose. That is what makes good organizations great, and Becky has been a driving force behind that for years.”

Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, said Harilson’s leadership style balanced high expectations with genuine care for members and staff.

“She’s ‘Mama Becky’ to so many of us,” Adams said.

She added that Harilson’s attention to detail and consistency ensured the Senate operated smoothly.

“She never let anything fall through the cracks,” Adams said. “That level of focus and patience, especially with so many personalities, is what made her such an effective leader and trusted advisor.”

Senate Minority Floor Leader Gerald Neal, D-Louisville, said Harilson earned the trust of members on both sides of the aisle through her professionalism and approach to public service.

“She is the epitome of professionalism and trust,” Neal said. “No matter the situation, you knew you could rely on her to provide honest guidance, treat people with respect and help you do your job better.”

Lawmakers say her professionalism, integrity and dedication left a lasting impact on the institution and those who worked alongside her. Over her time with the Senate President’s office and Senate Majority Caucus, few could ever claim to have the level of positive impact that Harilson has.

As she enters retirement, Harilson looks forward to spending time with her husband, Bill, their children and grandchildren.

The Senate formally honored Harilson’s career through a resolution recognizing her decades of service and expressing appreciation for her leadership and mentorship within the Capitol.

Harilson’s presence and impact on the institution and the staff she has overseen over the decades will be felt far beyond her time with the Senate President’s Office. Those who will continue in their respective roles will do so with gratitude for the role Harilson has played in their lives.

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[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

I probably should have doubled up on the blood pressure meds! Oh my! What a game. CATS movin’ on! #BBN

[Kentucky Men’s Basketball @KentuckyMBB]

CLUTCH

📺 CBS

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

Senior year SEC tourney win for our boy Jacob Hogan and his friends in the student section! Let’s hope for 3 more this weekend in CATSVILLE. #BBN

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

One of my favorite work events of the year! Thank you #KYGA26, @KYHouseGOP, @kyhousedems, @KYSenateGOP, @KYSenateDems

[ACS CAN Kentucky @ACSCANKY]

Legislators, staff, ACS CAN volunteers, and other advocates laced up their shoes for our Suits and Sneakers Day dedicated to cancer awareness! Now we want the legislature to continue the momentum and advance our policy priorities to reduce the cancer burden in KY. #KYGA26

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

Found this while going through some things. Hard to believe it was 25 years ago that I was Comms Director for Kentucky’s 1st ever Republican State Senate President & GOP Senate Majority! It was a tremendous honor. #KYGA26 @KYSenateGOP

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

New knee; new year! Thanks for all your prayers and acts of support during this time of change!

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
—Isaiah 9:6

[CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 @CBSSportsCBB]

"He was trying to get me to let him play in September!"

Mark Pope told @JennyDell_ that Jayden Quaintance has been begging to get back out on the court.

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

It’s way to cold!

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

Absolutely brutal

[Kentucky Men’s Basketball @KentuckyMBB]

Final.

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

CATS n Zags! Let’s go. #BBN

[Doug Hogan @KyHogie]

Thanks Coach!

[Blue Chips Media @BlueChipsBBN]

A Ride it Was 💯