Ms. Palin earned her journalism degree from the University of Idaho. She worked in media and the utility industry before beginning her public service 14 years ago. She was elected to two terms on the Wasilla City Council and then two terms as the mayor and manager of Alaska's fastest growing community.

During this time, Ms. Palin was elected by her mayoral peers as president of the Alaska Conference of Mayors. In this role, she worked with local, state and federal officials to promote solutions to the needs of Alaska's communities.

Ms. Palin served as chairman of Alaska's Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which regulates Alaska's most valuable non-renewable resources: oil and gas. She serves on the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.

Ms. Palin is married to the four-time champion of the world's longest snowmachine race, the Iron Dog, Ms. Palin's husband is a lifelong Alaskan and is a production operator on the North Slope. Mr. and Ms. Palin commercial fish together in Bristol Bay and are joined by their children: Track, Bristol, Willow, and Piper. Alaska Native heritage plays an important role in the life of this family.

Ms. Palin has served on numerous boards and commissions throughout the state and stays active as a marathon runner, sports team mom, hockey manager and school volunteer.

Ms. Palin's a lifetime member of the NRA and enjoys hunting, fishing, Alaska history, and all that Alaska's great outdoors has to offer.

Ms. Palin was elected Governor in 2006 and is designated as the State Co-Chair of the Denali Commission. She has appointed Karen Rehfeld, the State of Alaska Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to serve in this role on her behalf.