Meet Hamilton
A fiercely independent minded, fiscal conservative leader and your candidate for 17th District State Representative.
Hamilton Chang is a successful finance professional with decades of experience and a record of high-level achievement in the area of transparent financial solutions for job creating companies both large and small. Hamilton is a nationally featured speaker on finance, transparency and accounting standards and has carved out a reputation as an independent adviser to not for profit boards and management. Hamilton is a Dean’s Award recipient and MBA from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business as well as a Langollen Award winner and graduate of the University of Michigan.
Hamilton’s family came to the United States for opportunity. His parents, Cheng-Yang Chang (Army Major, MD, PhD) and Shirley Chang (MPH, MBA, PhD abd.) overcame language and social barriers to attain The American Dream—for them and for their two sons. His older brother is a Harvard University graduate, respected doctor and happy father of two. Hamilton has been active in leadership positions since grade school. He was elected President of the oldest student run organization on the University of Michigan campus. He was elected Vice-President of his residence hall at the University of Chicago.
For the past ten years, Hamilton has served as a small business owner and independent financial advisor, dedicated to assisting not-for-profits better understand the complicated financial structures being sold by large banks. He provides education and transparency for not-for-profit board members and management. Hamilton's personal practice is focused on reorganizing affiliated senior living centers, hospitals and schools.
Putting People Above Politics
Hamilton is no stranger to fundraising or giving back to the community. He is a board member of Youth Connections, a local charity which supports after school programs, former board member of the University of Chicago MBA Alumni Club, current Advisory Board member of The University of Michigan Health System and active supporter of numerous charities.
Transcends Partisan Politics
Hamilton has been in leadership positions in the finance/non profit sector for over 15 years. He’s been actively engaging in community activities like coaching youth sports (soccer, baseball, basketball) in several different Park Districts and participating in Scouting and YMCA-Guides. His family attends Kenilworth Union Church. Hamilton’s passion for family and community, and his investment in professional, personal and community relationships over the last 20 years has built a bipartisan base of support without rival.
A Loving Father, Husband and a Leader With Experience
Hamilton has four children. He met his wife, Lilly, while they were both earning their MBA’s in Finance at the University of Chicago. She has her undergraduate degree from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania while Hamilton has his from The 
University of Michigan. They planted their family’s roots in the community over a decade ago. They are a busy family but believe that taking a stand can make a difference. Hamilton is an accomplished musician and has performed both locally and internationally. His two local bands play numerous shows benefiting schools and youth programs in the area.
An Open Seat
Illinois’ House District 17 has been represented by Rep. Elizabeth Coulson since 1997. The voters traditionally seek socially moderate and fiscally conservative representation. These qualities define Hamilton. Additionally, this district has a large number of Asian-American residents. Chang’s personal background resonates with these voters. His family stressed education, demanded hard work and focused on family and their community. Many district residents believe this is a winnable contest for Hamilton because of his background and expertise in finance and negotiations, his personal drive, ability to build coalitions and his understanding of the issues and challenges facing Illinois.