Politician, Nevada Governor. He was born Kenneth Carroll Guinn, to parents Clifford and Virgie Guinn, Aug. 24, 1936, in Garland, Arkansas. He was raised in Exeter, Arkansas and received bachelor's and master's degrees from Fresno State University, afterwards becoming a teacher and school administrator. In 1969 he became School Superintendent for Clark County, Nevada, and in 1970 he received his doctorate from Utah State University. In 1978 was named Vice President of Nevada Savings and Loan, where he worked until becoming President and Chairman of PriMerit Bank, where he was employed from 1987 to 1988. In 1988 Guinn became Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Gas Corporation, serving until 1993 when he became Chairman of the Board, a position he held until 1997. From 1994 to 1995 Guinn was interim President of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. In 1998 he was the successful Republican nominee for Governor and served two terms, 1999 to 2007. One of his signature achievements was a 2003 tax increase, which Guinn argued was necessary to close a gap in the state budget. In May 2007 Guinn was elected to the MGM Mirage Hotel's Board of Directors.
Politician, Nevada Governor. He was born Kenneth Carroll Guinn, to parents Clifford and Virgie Guinn, Aug. 24, 1936, in Garland, Arkansas. He was raised in Exeter, Arkansas and received bachelor's and master's degrees from Fresno State University, afterwards becoming a teacher and school administrator. In 1969 he became School Superintendent for Clark County, Nevada, and in 1970 he received his doctorate from Utah State University. In 1978 was named Vice President of Nevada Savings and Loan, where he worked until becoming President and Chairman of PriMerit Bank, where he was employed from 1987 to 1988. In 1988 Guinn became Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Gas Corporation, serving until 1993 when he became Chairman of the Board, a position he held until 1997. From 1994 to 1995 Guinn was interim President of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. In 1998 he was the successful Republican nominee for Governor and served two terms, 1999 to 2007. One of his signature achievements was a 2003 tax increase, which Guinn argued was necessary to close a gap in the state budget. In May 2007 Guinn was elected to the MGM Mirage Hotel's Board of Directors.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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