First Gentleman of Iowa, Kevin Reynolds

First Gentleman of Iowa, Kevin Reynolds

Kevin Reynolds was born in Osceola County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa, and grew up on a 500-acre family farm in southern Warren County. His father, Burdette, was a airforce paratrooper during the Korean War. His mother, Ramona, raised their six children and was a passionate gardener. During his childhood, Kevin Reynolds developed a life-long passion for the outdoors activities. In his high school years, he met Kim Strawn, who would later become his wife and Governor of Iowa. 

Kevin Reynolds earned his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in Agronomy. His first job was with the County of Pottawattamie in soil and water conservation. He was a County Resource Planner. Kevin went on to work at the United States Department of Agriculture first as a Soil Conservationist and later as a District Conservationist. His career responsibilities took him to Mount Pleasant and Leon, Iowa. After 36 years of service, he retired from his services in March 2017.

He made history in his state as First Gentleman when his wife, Kim Reynolds, became Governor of Iowa. In his new role, Kevin Reynolds is keenly focused on preserving and enhancing Terrace Hill (the Governor’s Mansion) for future generations of Iowans to enjoy. 

As an avid outdoorsman, Kevin Reynolds also continues to deeply care about soil health and water quality. As First Gentleman, he is actively engaged in educating Iowans of all ages about the state’s many treasured natural resources.

Kevin Reynolds and his wife, Kim Reynolds, married on April 3, 1982. Their three daughters (Jennifer, Nicole and Jessica) are happily married. The Reynolds family has 10 grandchildren. 

That is why her top priorities as governor are creating good-paying jobs, cutting taxes, investing in public schools, and increasing opportunity in every part of Iowa. Kim and her husband, “First Dude” Kevin, have been married 36 years, have three daughters and ten grandchildren.