Frank Fahrenkopf

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Frank Fahrenkopf

Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr. (born August 28, 1939) is an American attorney, political executive, and lobbyist. He is best known for his role as the chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) from 1983 to 1989. Fahrenkopf has also been a prominent figure in the gaming industry, serving as the president and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA) from 1995 to 2013.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Fahrenkopf was born in Brooklyn, New York City, and raised in Reno, Nevada. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley in 1965.

Career[edit | edit source]

Legal Career[edit | edit source]

After completing his education, Fahrenkopf began his legal career in Reno, Nevada. He became a partner at the law firm of Fahrenkopf, Mortimer, Sourwine, Mousel & Sloane, where he specialized in gaming law and regulatory issues.

Political Career[edit | edit source]

Fahrenkopf's involvement in politics began with his work on various Republican campaigns in Nevada. He rose to national prominence when he was elected chairman of the Republican National Committee in 1983. During his tenure, he played a key role in the re-election campaign of President Ronald Reagan in 1984 and the election of President George H. W. Bush in 1988. Fahrenkopf was known for his efforts to modernize the party's operations and expand its voter base.

American Gaming Association[edit | edit source]

In 1995, Fahrenkopf was appointed as the first president and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA), a trade organization representing the casino industry. Under his leadership, the AGA became a powerful advocate for the gaming industry, addressing issues such as regulatory reform, responsible gaming, and the economic impact of casinos. Fahrenkopf retired from the AGA in 2013.