Joan Wagnon

Wagnon was a Kansas state representative from 1983 to 1995, leaving her seat to run in the 1994 Democratic gubernatorial primary where she finished second in a field of five.[1] She was the Mayor of Topeka from 1997 to 2001, the city's first female mayor. She was the Secretary of Revenue from January 13, 2003, until January 2011. She served as the chair of the Kansas Democratic Party from 2011 to 2015, a then 70-year-old grandma, and rebuilding it from an electoral calamity it suffered in 2010, while substantially expanding the use of information technology in its efforts.

Joan Wagnon
Chair of the Kansas Democratic Party
In office
2011–2015
Preceded byLawrence Gates
Succeeded byLarry Meeker
Kansas Secretary of Revenue
In office
January 13, 2003 – January 10, 2011
GovernorKathleen Sebelius
Mark Parkinson
Preceded bySteve Richards
Succeeded byNick Jordan
Mayor of Topeka
In office
1997–2001
Preceded byButch Felker
Succeeded byButch Felker
Personal details
Born (1940-10-17) October 17, 1940
Texarkana, Arkansas, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)William O. Wagnon
ChildrenJack, William
ResidenceTopeka, Kansas
Alma materHendrix College

Joan Wagnon is a retired American politician.

Political Science Professor Burdette Loomis of the University of Kansan said, "Brownback has provided lots of ammunition, but Joan is a tough cookie. She didn't have to do this job, but she did, and she's worked very, very hard and hired the right people to get the party going in the right direction."[2]

Wagnon's husband, Dr. Bill Wagnon, is a retired professor from Washburn University,[2] who served multiple terms as the pro-science chair of the Kansas State Board of Education.[3]

Offices held

Organizations
  • National Treasurer, Girl Scouts of the USA
  • Member, Washburn University Board of Regents 1997-2001
  • President, Kaw Valley Girl Scout Council, Topeka 1995-2000
  • Chair, TurnAround Team 1993-1997
  • Chairman of the Board of the Corporation for Change 1991-1994
  • Board Member, Downtown Rotary Club
  • Helen Hocker Theater Advisory Board
  • Board Member, Midland Hospice of Topeka
  • Former Board Member, Volunteer Center of Topeka.

References
  1. 1994 Primary, Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
  2. How a tech-savvy grandma is trying to lead Kansas Democrats out of the wilderness, Yahoo News, Holly Bailey, October 31, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  3. New State Board tackles evolution immediately, Lawrence Journal World, Scott Rothschild, January 7, 2006. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
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