H.O. Brownback of Ashland, Illinois combines roles in higher education, political governance, and the private sector in his service to Illinois.

In academia, Brownback is Vice President of Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) a 26,000 student system based in Belleville, Illinois.  He has taught and administered at SWIC for 37 years and serves as the senior administrator for that institution.  His publications include local histories and accreditation studies. 

Brownback's undergraduate work was at Illinois College, with subsequent graduate degrees from the University of Illinois and Saint Louis University. He currently serves as a Peer Reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission. In the private sector, Brownback is a director and corporate officer for West Central Bancshares Incorporated- a multi-bank holding corporation.  He has served as director of the West Central Bank and its predecessor bank since 1986 and is also director of its subsidiary, the West Central Insurance Company. 

Until recent years, Mr. Brownback owned and operated the Brownback Drug Company, a family business founded in 1847. In public service, Brownback is Chairman and CEO Emeritus of Cass County, Illinois—where he held elected office for 25 years.  Currently, Currently, Brownback is vice-chair for the Western Illinois Economic Development Authority and a founding member of the Mid America Port Authority District.