Kay Ivey

Kay Ivey
Name	Kay Ivey
Office	54th Governor of Alabama
Term start	April 10, 2017
Predecessor	Robert J. Bentley
Birth name	Kay Ellen Ivey
Birth date	October 15, 1944
Birth place	Camden, Alabama, U.S.
Party	Republican Party
Spouse	Emory M. "Mack" Ivey Jr. (divorced)
Alma mater	Auburn University

Kay Ivey

Kay Ivey is an American politician who has served as the 54th Governor of Alabama since 2017. She is a member of the Republican Party and previously held statewide offices including State Treasurer and Lieutenant Governor. Ivey's tenure has included responses to natural disasters, public health emergencies, and debates over tax policy, education, and social issues.

Early life and education

Kay Ivey was born in Camden, Alabama, in Wilcox County and grew up in the Black Belt region near Selma and Montgomery. She attended public schools in Alabama and matriculated at Auburn University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business administration with a concentration in Education (degree), participating in campus life alongside contemporaries from institutions such as University of Alabama and University of South Alabama. While at Auburn she joined student organizations and developed connections to figures in Alabama politics including alumni networks that included members of the Alabama Legislature and officials from the Office of the Governor of Alabama.

Early career and business work

After graduation, Ivey began a career in education, teaching at the secondary level and later working in school administration within counties such as Wilcox and counties neighboring Montgomery, Alabama. She transitioned into banking and business, holding management positions in financial institutions and engaging with organizations like the Alabama Bankers Association and regional chambers of commerce, which interfaced with corporations such as Regions Financial Corporation and BBVA USA. Her business work connected her to civic institutions including Alabama Power Company and philanthropic entities like the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.

Political career

Ivey's entry into elected office came when she was appointed and later elected as State Treasurer of Alabama, serving in the Alabama Department of Finance and interacting with statewide elected officials such as Bob Riley, Don Siegelman, Bob Riley (Governor), and successors. She later served as Lieutenant Governor of Alabama, presiding over the Alabama Senate and engaging with legislative leaders including Morris Dees-era civil rights debates and colleagues like Del Marsh and Martha Roby. Throughout her legislative and executive roles she worked alongside federal figures visiting Alabama such as members of the United States Senate from Alabama including Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions, and coordinated with federal agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency during crises.

Governorship

Ivey became Governor of Alabama in April 2017 following the resignation of her predecessor amid scandal, assuming duties in the Executive branch of Alabama. She won election in her own right in 2018 and sought reelection in subsequent cycles, campaigning against challengers with endorsements from state and national figures including members of the Republican National Committee, governors such as Rick Scott, and lawmakers like Mo Brooks. As governor she has overseen state responses to hurricanes impacting the Gulf Coast of the United States, collaborated with governors from neighboring states such as state counterparts in the Southeastern Conference of governors, and engaged with constitutional matters adjudicated by courts including the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama.

Political positions and initiatives

Ivey has taken positions on fiscal policy, education policy, and public health that align with conservative Republican priorities. On taxation she has supported changes to state tax policy debated in the Alabama Legislature alongside lawmakers like Rodger Smitherman and Arthur Orr, proposing adjustments to the state budget and interacting with fiscal institutions such as the Alabama Department of Revenue. In education she has advocated measures affecting public schools and charter schools, engaging with organizations like the Alabama State Department of Education, A+ Education Partnership, and education reform proponents including Bobby Jindal-era policies. On public health she led the state's executive actions during the COVID-19 pandemic in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Alabama Department of Public Health, and hospital systems such as University of Alabama Hospital. Ivey has also signed legislation on social issues contested in state debates, working with legislators including Steve Marshall and interacting with interest groups such as Alabama Policy Institute and national organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union when bills faced legal challenges.

Personal life and honors

Ivey has been recognized by civic and professional organizations, receiving awards from groups such as the National Governors Association, Auburn University Alumni Association, and state business coalitions. She was married to Emory M. "Mack" Ivey Jr. and has resided in Montgomery, Alabama, participating in community institutions including the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and faith communities associated with congregations in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Her honors include commendations from veterans' organizations such as the American Legion and recognition by education groups like the Alabama Association of School Boards.

Category:Governors of Alabama Category:People from Camden, Alabama