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Interview of Gary Sherrer, October 15, 2021

Interviewed by Mike Matson

Interview Description

Gary Sherrer was a debater and it changed his life. His reflections on growing up in Topeka, winning a debate scholarship to Kansas State Teachers College and then teaching for eight years are the perfect backdrop to his later achievements. His association with the Graves Trucking Company and soon-to-be-Governor Bill Graves paved the way for him to become Bill Graves' Lt. Governor. Sherrer won the respect of many Kansas leaders, including Henry Bubb and Jordan Haines, two preeminent bankers who recruited him to the banking industry as chief marketing officer, and later, lobbyist when multi-bank holding company legislation was pending. His debate skills served him well as a lobbyist, enabling the controversial bill to pass by one vote. He developed the Leadership Kansas model to train leaders. He knew how to solve community problems and displayed those skills as Secretary of Commerce for Governor Graves. One of his proudest accomplishments was the STAR bonds project in Wyandotte County, with Mayor Carol Marinovich. The interview is replete with examples of programs he developed or guided to fruition. It is interesting to read all the anecdotes about the political scene.

Interviewee Biographical Sketch

Interviewer Mike Matson, long-time colleague of Sherrer, wrote these words of tribute to Gary Sherrer in the Manhattan Mercury following the interview. "When I think of him, I remember the consummate political operator. Gary Sherrer’s life seems a quintessential Kansas 20th century success story, bordering on Alger-esque. Hardscrabble, working poor upbringing on the mean streets of Topeka, father dies when he’s in high school. Mom wants him to stay home, but a debate scholarship at what today is Emporia State University changes his life and offers, what in hindsight, can only be described as a trajectory. A professional career teaching debate, then private sector marketing, culminating in state government service at the highest level. After he retired, Sherrer also served on the Kansas Board of Regents." (View Matson's article at: https://www.mikematson.com/post/making-an-argument)

Interviewee Date of Birth

September 3, 1940

Interviewee Political Party

Republican

Interviewee Positions

Secretary, Department of Commerce 1995-1998
Lieutenant Governor, State of Kansas 1999-2002
Member, Kansas Board of Regents 2007-2010
Chair, Kansas Board of Regents 2010-2011

Interview Location

Statehouse, Topeka, KS

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