Episode 7. Trey Grayson – Past Kentucky Secretary of State (2004-2011)
Trey Grayson has been motivated to serve his community from an early age.
Trey is a Northern Kentucky native. He earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University in 1994 and his J.D./M.B.A. from the University of Kentucky in 1998.
Trey was elected to the office of Kentucky secretary of state in 2003, which at age 31 made him the youngest secretary of state in the country. He later became known as an expert on innovation in politics, as well as the political views of the millennial generation.
Before serving as Kentucky Secretary of State, Trey was an attorney with Greenebaum Doll & McDonald.
Trey Grayson is an American attorney and politician who served as the Secretary of State of Kentucky. His career includes significant contributions to public service, law, and academia. Here is a detailed look at his life and career:
Early Life and Education
Charles Merwin “Trey” Grayson III was born on April 18, 1972, in Boone County, Kentucky. He grew up in Kentucky, developing an early interest in politics and public service. Grayson attended Harvard College, earning a bachelor’s degree in government in 1994. He continued his education at the University of Kentucky College of Law, receiving his Juris Doctor in 1998.
Career in Politics
Secretary of State of Kentucky
Trey Grayson was elected as Kentucky’s Secretary of State in 2003 at the age of 31, making him one of the youngest secretaries of state in the United States.
He was re-elected to a second term in 2007. During his tenure, Grayson focused on modernizing the office, enhancing voter accessibility, and improving business services. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
- Election Reforms: Grayson implemented several reforms to improve the efficiency and integrity of Kentucky’s electoral process. He advocated for the use of electronic voting machines and worked to increase voter participation.
- Business Services: He worked on streamlining the business registration process, making it easier for businesses to operate in Kentucky—his efforts aimed at reducing red tape and improving the business climate in the state.
- Civic Education: Grayson strongly advocated for civic education, promoting programs to educate young people about the importance of voting and civic engagement.
2010 U.S. Senate Run
In 2010, Grayson ran for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Senator Jim Bunning.
Despite his solid political background and support from many within the Republican establishment, he lost the Republican primary to Rand Paul, a candidate with significant support from the Tea Party movement.
Career in Academia and Public Policy
After leaving office in 2011, Grayson transitioned into roles in academia and public policy:
- Harvard University: Grayson served as the Director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School from 2011 to 2014. In this role, he worked to inspire and prepare Harvard students for careers in public service and political leadership.
- Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce: Upon returning to Kentucky, Grayson became President and CEO of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. His work focused on promoting economic development and supporting local businesses.
- Frost Brown Todd LLC: Grayson later joined the law firm Frost Brown Todd as a member, where he continued to be involved in legal practice and public policy.
Trey Grayson is married to Nancy Grayson, and they have two daughters. A commitment to public service and community engagement has marked his personal and professional life.
Trey Grayson has had a diverse and impactful career, from serving as Kentucky’s Secretary of State to holding significant roles in academia and public policy. His efforts in modernizing state government functions, advocating for civic education, and promoting economic development reflect his dedication to improving his community and fostering public engagement.