Born in Flint, Michigan, on 28 March 1941, Bill Ballenger is a former state representative and state senator, an ex-state racing commissioner, and director of the Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulation. Mr. Ballenger also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health, Education & Welfare in the administration of President Gerald R. Ford.

Bill Ballenger holds a B.A. degree magna cum laude from Princeton University and a master's degree in Public Administration from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He held the Robert P. & Marjorie Griffin Endowed Professorship in American Government at Central Michigan University from 2003-2007. He has also been a visiting Adjunct Professor at the University of Michigan / Flint; Michigan State University; & Western Michigan University.

Much has been said about Bill Ballenger over the years. He has been dubbed by the Detroit News as "Michigan's undisputed Crown Prince of Pundits." In addition to editing and publishing the "Inside Michigan Politics" newsletter, he appears frequently on radio and television nationally & throughout Michigan. He also gives speeches & quotes to a variety of newspapers & various interest groups.