(Shelby County, 1936- ) Collins became Kentucky’s first female Governor in 1984. Born in Baghdad, she started as the clerk of the Supreme Court in 1975, and in 1979 became Lt. Governor. During her term, Governor Collins chose economic development and education as the two issues that needed attention in order to create needed changes in the lives of Kentuckians. The result was a $300 million school improvement package and a new Toyota automobile plant in Georgetown.