Bruce became a businessman at a young age when he established a Dairy Queen franchise in Pleasant Hill, Oregon. After selling the franchise, he worked as the sales manager at Coca-Cola Bottling of Roseburg. Bruce later built a successful soft drink distribution system and grew his business. He sold that business and purchased the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Roseburg. He is currently the President and CEO of that company as well as its sister company, Automatic Vending Service.

After several successful years managing and growing businesses, Bruce graduated from Northwest Christian University in Eugene. He was selected as the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award recipient. He now sits on the Board of Trustees for Northwest Christian University.

He is Past President of the Oregon Soft Drink Association, a member and Past President of the Roseburg Executive Association and the Roseburg Area Chamber of Commerce. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Community Cancer Center and a dental insurance company.

Bruce Hanna has represented District 7, which includes parts of Douglas and Lane counties, in the Oregon House since 2004. He co-chairs the Ways and Means Subcommittee On Capital Construction, the Joint Legislative Task Force on County Payments, and the Emergency Board. He is now serving his fourth full term, this time as Co-Speaker of the House with his colleague, Representative Arnie Roblan.

Bruce and his wife, Teresa, live in Roseburg. Bruce was born and raised in Douglas County. He attended South Umpqua High School, where he served as Student Body President and played on championship football and basketball teams.