About the Governor
The Parnell Administration clears paths of opportunity for Alaskans. Since becoming governor in July of 2009, Governor Sean Parnell has focused on growing Alaska’s economy and strengthening families.
Governor Parnell advances Alaskans' interests by adhering to our state's constitutional priorities: resource development, education, public safety, and infrastructure. The governor aggressively works to make Alaska competitive for economic growth by lowering taxes, streamlining regulations, and building infrastructure. In 2009, Governor Parnell successfully worked with the Legislature to establish the Alaska Performance Scholarship, a merit-based scholarship designed to incentivize Alaska’s youth for greater academic performance and empower students to pursue in-state college or technical training. Governor Parnell has also taken on the challenge to end the epidemic of domestic violence and sexual assault in Alaska.
Governor Parnell moved to Alaska in 1973. Graduating from East Anchorage High School in 1980, Parnell went on to earn a bachelor’s of business administration from Pacific Lutheran University, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Puget Sound School of Law (now known as Seattle University School of Law). Governor Parnell practiced law for 13 years in the private sector. He served two terms in the Alaska House of Representatives and one term in the Alaska State Senate, including Senate Finance Committee leadership.
Sean Parnell was elected as lieutenant governor in November 2006, became governor in July 2009, and was re-elected November of 2010.
The Governor and First Lady Sandy Parnell, have been married since 1987 and have two daughters and a son-in-law. The Governor and First Lady of Alaska reside in Juneau and enjoy many of the outdoor activities Alaska has to offer.
- Official Portraits