About

Sean Parnell became governor of Alaska in 2009 and was inaugurated to a full term on December 6, 2010.

As governor, Parnell advanced Alaskans’ interests by adhering to the state’s constitutional priorities: resource development, education, public safety and infrastructure, as well as support for the military. Parnell worked to make Alaska competitive for economic growth by lowering taxes, streamlining regulations and building infrastructure.

Parnell moved to Alaska in 1973. Graduating from East Anchorage High School in 1980, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Pacific Lutheran University and a law degree from the University of Puget Sound School of Law (now known as Seattle University). 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. Parnell was elected as lieutenant governor in November 2006, became governor in July 2009 and was elected to a full term in November 2010.

Parnell and his wife, Sandy, have been married since 1987 and have two daughters. They reside in Juneau and enjoy many of the outdoor activities Alaska has to offer.