Randy Kirner - Assemblyman District 26

About Randy Kirner

My leadership experience spans a lifetime from childhood, to college, on the battlefield and in business. The very heart of my leadership philosophy is to lead by example. I have demonstrated the ability to establish a vision, coach and guide others, solve problems and accomplish goals. I did this first as a young man, then as a decorated officer in the Army. Following my service, I put these skills to work as a key member of management to grow multibillion-dollar companies and to guide Nevada's Public Employees' Benefits Program in tackling often complex problems.

I have earned multiple degrees in business and management; my Bachelor of Science from North Georgia College was in Business Administration. I then went on to earn not one, but two master's degrees—the first was an MBA with a Marketing Concentration from Georgia State University, and the second was an M.S. in Management Information Systems, demonstrating my business, management, finance, marketing and technical acumen. Later in my career, I would complete a doctorate in Organizational Leadership.

Meanwhile, I was learning a thing or two from personal experience; my father was a small business owner running an ornamental iron business. I observed first-hand the nature of small business, and their importance to the economy. I learned that it doesn't take much to put a business on the ropes, and that small businesses are where the jobs and growth are in our economy.

With these and other lessons under my belt, I went on to work for American Hospital Supply Corporation in several of their larger divisions. I rose to Vice President of Human Resources in just four years. Then when AHSC divested of four service divisions including mine, I was one of two people the corporation retained. They promoted me to Corporate Compensation Director relying on my training in business management to oversee cash and non-cash compensation programs for this $3.5 billion Fortune 500 corporation with over 40,000 employees.

As a natural leader of people and companies, I moved easily into Vice President of Human Resource positions with Allergan Medical Optics and Wyle Electronics, both in Irvine, California. As part of their key executive team, I helped direct these businesses during the late 80s and early 90s, a crucial period in technological and biosciences development, and helped both to grow financially.

Later, I took on the position of Vice President of Human Resources for International Game Technology in Reno, the world leader in design, development and manufacture of microprocessor-based gaming products and software systems and Nevada's largest manufacturer. During my tenure with IGT, the company grew to a 70% market share in the U.S., and 40% worldwide.

Experience

35 years as executive in the private sector ending career as Vice President of Human Resources for IGT, Nevada's largest manufacturer
BS & MBA, University of Georgia system
Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, University of La Verne, CA
Advanced programs at UCLA, Stanford, University of Michigan, and Northwestern
Veteran; served as officer in Vietnam, 101st Airborne Div., Army Ranger
Awarded Bronze Star, Air Medal, and Combat Infantryman's Badge
Only Chairman of Public Employees' Benefits Program Board to come from private sector, appointed by Governor Guinn and reappointed by Governor Gibbons
Served on President's Advisory Council at Oregon Institute of Technology
Elected to Nevada Assembly in 2010
Served on the Ways and Means Committee, the Education Committee and the Transportation Committee
During interim period, serving on the Interim Finance Committee and the Interim Retirement and Benefits Committee