Kevin Reynolds was born in Osceola, Iowa, and grew up on a 500-acre family farm in southern Warren County. His father, Burdette, was a paratrooper during the Korean War. His mother, Ramona, raised their six children and was a passionate gardener. During his childhood, Kevin developed a life-long passion for the outdoors. In his high school years, he met Kim Strawn, who would later become his wife.
Kevin earned his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in Agronomy. His first job was with Pottawattamie County as a County Resource Planner, working in soil and water conservation. Kevin went on to work at the U.S. 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 in March 2017.
He made history as Iowa’s first-ever First Gentleman when his wife, Kim Reynolds, became Governor of Iowa. In his new role, Kevin is keenly focused on preserving and enhancing Terrace Hill, the Governor’s Mansion, for future generations of Iowans to enjoy.
An avid outdoorsman, Kevin deeply cares about soil health and water quality. As First Gentleman, he is also actively engaged in educating Iowans of all ages about the state’s many treasured natural resources.
Kevin and his wife, Kim, married on April 3, 1982. Their three daughters and sons-in-law are happily married and the proud parents of the Reynolds’ 11 grandchildren.