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34th Legislature(2025-2026)

Member Information


Gary Wilken
LEGISLATIVE SERVICE:
1997-2008 Senator District
Date/Place of Birth:
January 24, 1946
Tacoma, Washington
Residency in Alaska:
Fairbanks: 1951 - 1970, 1975 - present
Spouse:
Wife - Susan
Children:
Children - Matthew, Allison, Karen, Bob
Grandchildren - Evan, Mason, Charlotte
Occupation:
Small Business Owner - retired
Education:
Lathrop High School:
Oregon State University:
   - B.S. Business and Technology: 1964 - 1968
   - M.B.A. in Business: 1970
Alaska State Senate:
1997 - present
Co-Chair, Armed Services Joint Committee:
     2001 - present
Co-Chair, Finance Committee: 2003 - present
Chair, Long Term Care Task Force:
     1999 - 2000
Co-Chair, Long Term Care Task Force:
     1997 - 1998
Vice-Chair, Resources Committee: 2001 - 2002
Legislative Budget & Audit Joint Committee:
     1999 - present
Health, Education & Social Services Committee:
     1997 - present
Finance Committee: 1999 - present
Transportation Committee: 1997 - 1998, 2001 - 2002
Joint Armed Services Committee: 1999 - present
Military Bases Joint Committee: 1999 - 2000
State Affairs Committee: 1999 - 2000
Administration Regulation Review Committee:
     1997 - 1998
Deferred Maintenance Review Committee:
     1997 - 1998
Finance Subcommittees:
   - Chair, Community & Economic Development:
     2003 - present
   - Chair, Transportation & Public Facilities:
     2003 - present
   - Chair, Education & Early Development:
     1999 - present
   - Chair, Court System: 1999 - 2002
   - Chair, Law: 2001 - 2002
   - Chair, Administration: 1999 - 2000
   - Governor: 2003 - present
   - Legislature: 2003 - present
   - University of Alaska: 1997 - present
   - Military and Veterans Affairs: 2001 - 2002
   - Capital Budget: 1999 - 2002
   - Education: 1997 - 1998
   - Natural Resources: 1997 - 1998
   - Revenue: 1997 - 1998
Fairbanks/Interior Delegation: 1997 - present
Other Political and Government Positions:
Fairbanks Public Utility Board: 1983 - 1995
US Air Force Civilian Advisory Board: 1994 - present
Business and Professional Positions:
Owner, Wilken-Alaska (Fairbanks Distributors):
     1976 - 2004
Owner, Great Alaskan Food Co.: 1983 - 2004
Chair, Community Activity Center Task Force:
     1985 - 1989
Alaska Council on Economic Education: 1984 - 1996
MAPCO Alaska - Citizens Advisory Board: 1986 - 1996
Service Organizations and Community Involvement:
Fairbanks Youth Sports Board: 1981 - present
President, Fairbanks Youth Sports Foundation: 1988 - present
Rotary of Fairbanks: 1977 - present; President: 1987
Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, 1983 - present
   - Chair: 1991 - 1992
Co-Chair, Military Affairs Committee: 1989 - 1995
Alaska Crippled Children Board: 1989 - 1995
Chair, Methodist Church Pastor Parish Relations Committee: 1994 - 1995
President, Lathrop High School Basketball Boosters: 1987-89, 1993-96
   - Soviet Union Visit Team Leader: 1989
Awards & Recognitions:
Fairbanks Daily News Miner Community Service
     Award: 1990
University of Alaska Fairbanks Business Leader
     of the Year: 1995
Rotarian of the Year: 1990
Oregon State University Sports Hall of Fame
     (Team): 1993
Jim Messer Support of the Military Award
Special Interests:
Family, hunting, fishing, boating.