Personal
Bob is the proud father of two adult children. His Son, BoB, Jr. is a graphic Designer and resides in Colorado Springs with his wife April and Bob’s first grandchild, Lili who is a 1-year-old. His daughter Laura is an Attorney and practices law with her Father in the Robert S. Gardner Law Firm.
Education
- George Washington University Masters of Law 1986
- University of Texas School of Law with Honors 1981
- United States Air Force Academy Graduate 1976
Professional Experience
- Private Practice, Robert S. Gardner, Attorney at Law
- Member, Uniform Law Commission, Appointed by President of the Senate, Bill Cadman
- United States Air Force, Retired
- United States Air Force Reserve Officer
- USAFA Faculty – Procurement and Business Law
- Judge Advocate General at USAFA
- ICBM Missile Launch Officer
Community Involvement
- Regional Council, El Pomar Foundation
- Member, Colorado Easter Seals BOD
- Founding Board Member, Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy
- Member, Colorado League of Charter Schools Legal Advocacy Fund BOD
- Colorado Republican Party General Counsel
- Chairman, El Paso County Republican Party, 1993-1997
Leadership Positions:
- Ranking Republican Member, Senate Judiciary Committee 2019
- Chair, Senate Judiciary Committee 2016-2018
- Chair, House Judiciary Committee
- Ranking Republican Member, House Judiciary Committee
- Member, House Appropriations Committee, 2004-2012
- Member, House Local Government Committee,
- Member, Joint Legislative Committee,
- Health Benefit Exchange Legislative Implementation Review Committee
- Committee on Long Term Services for the Developmentally Disabled
Commitment to Conservative Values:
- Sponsored or co-sponsored MULTIPLE pieces of legislation to strengthen Colorado’s laws to protect victims of crime
- Spearheaded the opposition to legislation that would damage business and Colorado’s economy
- Primary sponsor of successful legislation in the 2008 session that provided increased employment opportunities and shortened the waiting list for services for the developmentally disabled
Legislative Leadership Recognition:
- 2020 Mental Health Colorado, a Mental Health America Affiliate, Legislative Mental Health Champion
- 2019 Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC Legislator of the Year
- 2019 Healthier Colorado Top Legislator in Removing Barriers to Healthcare
- 2014 Colorado Civil Justice League Champion for Tort Reform
- 2013 NFIB Minuteman Award for Support of Small Business
- 2013 Colorado Organization for Victim Advocacy-Outstanding Legislator
- 2012 Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance Legislator of the Year
- 2010 Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Top Legislator for Business Issues
- 2007 Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Legislator of the Year
- 2007 Alliance Legislator of the Year (statewide advocacy organization for developmentally disabled)
- Also recognized as outstanding legislator by:
- NFIB
- NAIOP-Commercial Real Estate Development for protection of property rights
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving
- Colorado Organization of Victims Assistance
- Colorado Medical Society
- The American Conservative Union
- United Veterans Committee of Colorado
- Colorado Civil Justice League Champion (for defending business against costly litigation)
- Colorado Restaurant Association—for legislation in support of small businesses