|
 John A. Gale was born in Omaha, Neb., on Oct. 23, 1940.
His parents, Faye and John C. Gale Jr.,
were both born and raised in Omaha. John
A. is a fifth-generation Nebraskan.
While growing up,
Gale’s family lived in several states
through the years of World War II,
eventually moving to Ogallala, Neb., in
1950. They lived in Ogallala for two
years before moving back to Omaha, where
Gale graduated from Omaha North High
School in 1958.
Gale attended
Carleton College in Northfield, Minn.,
and graduated in 1962 with a BA degree,
majoring in government and international
relations. He then attended the
University of Chicago Law School on
scholarship and received a JD degree in
1965.
After graduation
from law school, Gale held positions
with private business and government.
From 1965-68, he worked in the legal
department of Northern Natural Gas Co.
of Omaha. From 1968-70, he served as a
legislative assistant to U.S. Sen. Roman
Hruska of Nebraska and was responsible
for agricultural appropriations, foreign
relations and constitutional law issues.
In 1970, he returned to Nebraska to work
as an assistant U.S. attorney, first in
Omaha and then in Lincoln.
In November 1971,
Gale and his family moved to North
Platte, Neb., where he entered the
private practice of law. He served in
private practice there for 29 years.
Gale became the
26th Nebraska secretary of state when he
was appointed by Gov. Mike Johanns in
December 2000 to fill a vacancy created
with the resignation of Scott Moore.
Gale was elected to a four-year term in
2002.
Gale serves on the
boards of the NEBRASKAland Foundation
and Cornhusker Boys State. While living
in North Platte, he was active in the
Sunrise Rotary Club, Chamber of
Commerce, state and local bar
associations, Boy Scouts, United Way and
Great Plains Regional Medical Center. He
has served in various positions in the
Nebraska Republican Party, including
chairman in 1986.
Gale’s wife,
Carol, grew up in Kearney County in
south central Nebraska and graduated
from Kearney State College. While in
North Platte, she worked as an art
teacher at Adams Junior High School.
Their family includes son David of
Fremont, Neb., daughter Elaine of Denver
and son Steven of Laramie, Wyo. David is
married to Kristine Hubka Gale, and they
have three sons, Jack, Charlie and
Thomas. Steven is married to Beth Bear. |
