Joan Finney

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Joan Marie Finney (born February 12, 1925 in Topeka , Kansas ; † July 28, 2001 there ) was an American politician and from 1991 to 1995 the 42nd governor of the state of Kansas.

Early years and political advancement

Joan Finney was born as Joan Marie McInroy. She attended high school in Manhattan until 1942 . She later graduated from Washburn University in Topeka with a degree in economic history. Between 1953 and 1969 she was an employee of the Republican US Senator Frank Carlson . Between 1970 and 1972 she was the Commissioner of Elections in Shawnee County . In 1972 she applied unsuccessfully for a seat in the US Senate. Then she changed party affiliation and became a member of the Democrats . Then she was State Treasurer of Kansas from 1975 to 1991 . In 1990 she was elected governor of Kansas against incumbent Mike Hayden .

Kansas Governor

Joan Finney began her four-year term on January 14, 1991. For this fact alone, she has already set some records. She was the first woman to serve as governor of Kansas and, at 65, also the oldest person in office when she took office. Her term of office passed without any particular incident. In 1996, Joan Finney ran again unsuccessfully for a seat in the US Senate. Then she withdrew from politics. She died of liver cancer in 2001. Since 1957 she was married to Spencer Finney; the couple had three children.

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personal data
SURNAME Finney, Joan
ALTERNATIVE NAMES McInroy, Joan Marie (maiden name)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American politician
DATE OF BIRTH February 12, 1925
PLACE OF BIRTH Topeka , Kansas
DATE OF DEATH July 28, 2001
Place of death Topeka , Kansas