Episode 91. Matt Bevin – Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky (2015-2019) and Past CEO & Principal, Integrity Asset Management
Matt Bevin’s intellectual curiosity and love of learning have led him through several career opportunities in his lifetime.
Matt is currently the CEO and principal of Integrity Asset Management, managing $2.5 billion in assets. He recruited several asset managers and started the firm with eight people, no customers, and a modest start. Integrity Asset Management has grown to be one of Louisville’s largest money management firms with hard work and long hours.
Matt came from humble beginnings in a northern New England town. However, he was raised to believe he was part of a more significant community and has spent much of his time helping others less fortunate and those who touched his life. He started a local non-profit in memory of his oldest daughter, Brittany’s Wish, and served as chairman of the Louisville area American Red Cross board.
Matt is also a former officer with the Army and a Washington and Lee University graduate. He was voted in as Governor of Kentucky in 2015.
Matthew Griswold Bevin, commonly known as Matt Bevin, served as the Governor of Kentucky from 2015 to 2019. Born on January 9, 1967, in Denver, Colorado, Bevin is a businessman and a Republican politician. His tenure as governor was marked by various controversies and significant political actions.
Key aspects of Matt Bevin’s political career and governorship include:
- 2015 Gubernatorial Election: Bevin won the Kentucky governorship in 2015, defeating the Democratic nominee, Attorney General Jack Conway. His election was notable as he was considered an outsider and had previously challenged Mitch McConnell in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate in 2014.
- Policies and Governance: As governor, Bevin focused on conservative policies. This included efforts to dismantle the state’s health benefit exchange under the Affordable Care Act and reforms in the state’s Medicaid program. He also advocated for charter schools, educational choice, right-to-work legislation, and tax reforms.
- Controversies: Bevin’s tenure was not without controversy. He frequently clashed with labor unions, particularly pension reforms and education policies. His outspoken style and comments on various issues, including teacher protests and vaccinations, often attracted criticism.
- 2019 Gubernatorial Election: Bevin ran for re-election in 2019 but was narrowly defeated by Democrat Andy Beshear, the state’s attorney general and son of former Governor Steve Beshear. The race was closely watched and was considered a reflection of the national political climate.
- Post-Gubernatorial Career: After leaving office, Bevin has remained active in various ways, including making media appearances and commenting on political issues.
- Business Career: Before his political career, Bevin was known for his business ventures. He worked in the financial services industry and later became the president of Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Company, a bell manufacturing company with a long family history.