From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Terry Edward Branstad (b. November 17, 1946, Leland, Iowa) is a former four-term Republican Governor of Iowa, who served from 1983 to 1999.

Born to a Norwegian-American Lutheran farming family, he received his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and his law degree from Drake University. He served three-terms in the Iowa House of Representatives and served as the Lieutenant Governor of Iowa. When elected governor, he was, at age 35, the youngest chief executive in Iowa history; and, when he left office, he was Iowa's longest-serving governor.

In 1997, he chaired the Education Commission of the States, the Republican Governors Association, and the Governors' Ethanol Coalition. He also served as Chair of the National Governors Association during 1989–1990. Persevering the economic recession and farming crisis of the mid-1980s, Iowa became the first state to link every school district in a broadband network.

Branstad was a U.S. Army serviceman between 1969 - 1971, and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. In 1989 Branstad was made an honorary member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity at Iowa State University.

Since leaving office, Branstad has focused most of his efforts on endeavors outside of politics. After leaving office, he founded Branstad and Associates, L.L.C. He also was a partner in the firm of Kaufman, Patee, Branstad & Miller, as well as a financial advisor for Robert W. Baird and Co., Inc.

He also taught as a visiting professor at the University of Iowa. He taught a course in public sector leadership and management offered through the University of Iowa's Henry Tippie Business College.

In August 2003, Branstad accepted the offer of Des Moines University to become its president.

Additionally, Branstad currently serves on the boards of these companies and non-profit organizations, Advanced Analytical Technologies, Inc., Cementech, Featherlite, Iowa Health System, Liberty Bank and Living History Farms.

• 1994 Race for Governor
  • Terry Branstad (R) (inc.), 57%
  • Bonnie Campbell (D), 43%

• 1990 Race for Governor
  • Terry Branstad (R) (inc.), 61%
  • Donald Avenson (D), 39%

• 1986 Race for Governor
  • Terry Branstad (R) (inc.), 52%
  • Lowell Junkins (D), 48%

• 1982 Race for Governor
  • Terry Branstad (R), 53%
  • Roxanne Conlin (D), 47%

This article about an Iowa politician is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.