Quick Facts
Biography
Felipe González González (born January 28, 1947 in Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes) is a Mexican politician and entrepreneur. A member of the National Action Party, he was Governor of Aguascalientes, from 1998 to 2004 and has been a Senator of the Republic of Mexico since 2006.
Early years
González's father died when Felipe was 21, after which time, he engaged in the family business with his brothers.
Career
- Business
González has served most of his professional life as an entrepreneur in various branches. In 1991, he was President of the Business Center of Aguascalientes (CEA). He has also served as President of the Employers Confederation of Mexico (Coparmex) in Aguascalientes, as well as BBVA Bancomer Bank Board Advisor plus seven other banks. He served as President of the Sister City Committee, and was the founder and President of the Social Union of Businessmen in Mexico "USEM" in Aguascalientes. As President of the Association of Grocery Store Owners, González maintained a close relationship with the grocers of Aguascalientes.
Among his many awards was the Business Award of Merit in 1993, awarded by the Confederation of Chambers of Commerce nationwide.
- Education
González served as Chairman of the Board of the Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, and of Colegio Nacional de Educación Profesional Técnica; he supported and promoted the creation of the Pan American University Campus Bonaterra.
- Politics
His first foray into politics was his nomination as candidate for Governor in Aguascalientes in 1998. After an intense campaign and an unprecedented mobilization of many population sectors in Aguascalientes, he secured a surprise victory over PRI candidate Héctor Hugo Olivares Ventura with 53% of the vote (compared to Ventura's 36%), During his term as Governor of Aguascalientes he tended to focus on the politics of industrialization and sought to attract international investment into the state.
In August 25, 2004, he was appointed by President Vicente Fox as Assistant Secretary of Government of the Interior Ministry, a position where he remained until January 9, 2006. That year, he resigned to be nominated as candidate for Senator in the national parliament representing the state of Aguascalientes, a position he has been elected to until 2012 for the 60th and 61st legislatures. While Senator, he has been the chairman of the Public Security Committee.
Personal life
González married Cony Ramirez Zermeño and they have four children: Jose de Jesus, Philip, Charles and Beriel. He is a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus.
He was Vice President of the Board of "Heart Friend", an organization that provides medical treatment to poor people.