Kathy Karpan was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming, September 1, 1942, the daughter of Thomas and Pauline Karpan. Following graduation from the University of Wyoming, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism, she worked in the field of journalism at various Wyoming newspapers. She later worked in the office of U.S. Rep. Teno Roncalio. Karpan also holds a master’s degree in American Studies from the University of Wyoming.

Following service in congressional offices in Washington, she earned a law degree from the University of Oregon, returning to Wyoming to serve as an agency director in the Gov. Ed Herschler administration. Karpan won election as Wyoming Secretary of State in 1986 and was reelected in 1990. At the end of her second term, she ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1994. She was Democratic nominee for the United States Senate in 1996. Later, on August 4, 1997, she began service as Director of the Office of Surface Mining in the Clinton administration. She returned to Wyoming to practice law.

Kathy Karpan was born September 1, 1942 in Rock Springs to Thomas and Pauline Taucher Karpan. She was educated in the Rawlins public schools before attending the University of Wyoming. She earned a Bachelor's degree in 1974 and a Master's degree in 1975 and then went on to earn a law degree from the University of Oregon in 1978.

Karpan worked as a journalist in Cody, Cheyenne and Canberra, Australia and served two stints as press secretary for Wyoming's U.S. Congressman Teno Roncalio. Eventually she served as Roncalio's chief of staff. After two years in the U.S. Department of Commerce, Karpan returned to Wyoming and served on the staff of the Wyoming Attorney General until she was named director of the Department of Health and Social Services in 1984.

Since her election as Secretary of State in 1986, Karpan has led a successful effort to secure legislative enactment of a new business corporation law. She also revised rules which make it realistic for small entrepreneurs in Wyoming to raise capital through a security offering.

As the state's chief election officer, Karpan administered the first special statewide election in Wyoming history following the resignation of U.S. Representative Dick Cheney to assume the position of Secretary of Defense.

Additional Resources

• Kathleen Marie Karpan Papers, 1986-1999 (Bulk 1989-1994), Collection Number 10506, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.