Born: November 19, 1962
Birth State: California
Party: Republican
Family: Married Sandra Parnell; two children
School(s): Pacific Lutheran University; University of Puget Sound School of Law Address: State Capitol P.O. Box 110001 Juneau, AK 99811-0001 Phone: 907/465-3500 Fax: 907/465-3532
Succeeded
Governor's website
State website
Sean Parnell was inaugurated to a full term as governor of Alaska on December 6, 2010. Parnell has served as governor of Alaska since July 26, 2009, when he assumed the office following the resignation of Governor Palin. Parnell arrived in Alaska in 1973 at the age of 10. He graduated from East Anchorage High School in 1980, going on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Pacific Lutheran University, as well as a doctorate of jurisprudence from University of Puget Sound School of Law (now known as Seattle University School of Law). Like his father, Parnell owned his own business for many years, a small law practice located in Anchorage. In 1992 Parnell was elected to the Alaska State House of Representatives. While serving in the House, Parnell was active as a member of the House Finance Committee and chaired numerous budget subcommittees. After serving two terms in the House, he ran for, and won, a seat in the Alaska State Senate in 1996. In the Senate, Parnell was an instrumental leader who served on the Senate Finance Committee during his first two years, and he later co-chaired the Senate's Finance Committee. In 2006 Parnell was elected as Lieutenant Governor. Parnell and his wife, Sandy, have been married for 23 years. They reside in Juneau, Alaska with their daughters, Grace and Rachel, and their dog Annie. They enjoy running, hiking, fishing, and staying active in their church and community. |