Martha Layne Collins's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Martha Layne Collins.

Martha Layne Collins is a former American businesswoman and politician. She made history as the 56th Governor of Kentucky (1983-1987), being the first and, to date, only woman to hold that position. Before becoming governor, she was the 48th Lieutenant Governor under John Y. Brown Jr. Collins' election as governor marked her as the highest-ranking Democratic woman in the United States. She was considered a potential vice-presidential nominee for Walter Mondale in 1984, though Geraldine Ferraro was ultimately selected.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1954: Shelby County Tobacco Festival Queen

In 1954, Martha Layne Collins won the title of Shelby County Tobacco Festival Queen, marking an early achievement.

1975: Won Election for Clerk of the Kentucky Court of Appeals

In 1975, Martha Layne Collins won the election for Clerk of the Kentucky Court of Appeals, defeating Joseph E. Lambert.

1976: Woman of Achievement

In 1976, the Woodford County chapter of Business and Professional Women chose Martha Layne Collins as its Woman of Achievement.

1979: Secured Democratic Nomination and Elected Lieutenant Governor

In 1979, Martha Layne Collins secured the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor and was elected in the general election.

1979: Elected Lieutenant Governor

In 1979, Martha Layne Collins was elected Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky, serving under Governor John Y. Brown Jr.

1983: Collins Becomes Governor of Kentucky

In 1983, Martha Layne Collins became the 56th Governor of Kentucky, making her the first woman to hold the office. She served until 1987.

1983: Elected as Kentucky's First Woman Governor

In 1983, Martha Layne Collins defeated Jim Bunning to become Kentucky's first woman governor, focusing her administration on education and economic development.

1983: Secured Democratic Nomination for Governor

In 1983, Martha Layne Collins secured the Democratic nomination for governor, edging out Harvey I. Sloane and Grady Stumbo.

May 10, 1985: Hall of Distinguished Alumni

On May 10, 1985, Martha Layne Collins was named to the University of Kentucky Alumni Association's Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

1986: Secured Toyota Plant in Georgetown

In 1986, Martha Layne Collins successfully used economic incentives to bring a Toyota manufacturing plant to Georgetown, Kentucky.

1986: Incentive Package Approved

In 1986, the legislative session approved the incentive package for Toyota, which was contingent upon legislative approval of $125 million in incentives promised to Toyota by Collins and state Commerce Secretary Carroll Knicely.

June 11, 1987: Kentucky Supreme Court Ruling on Toyota Incentives

On June 11, 1987, the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that the incentive package for Toyota served a public purpose and was therefore constitutional.

October 1987: Unemployment Rate Decline

By October 1987, Kentucky's unemployment rate had fallen to 7.2 percent, reflecting job growth under Collins's economic development plan.

1989: Kentucky Supreme Court Decision

In 1989, a lawsuit filed in 1985 led to a landmark decision by the state Supreme Court, which in turn prompted the passage of the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 that overhauled Kentucky's entire K-12 school system and created the state funded Kentucky Preschool Program.

1990: Kentucky Education Reform Act

The Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 was passed, overhauling Kentucky's entire K-12 school system and creating the state funded Kentucky Preschool Program.