Tenure

First elected to the Senate in 1998. Member of the Senate since 1999.

Current Assignments

2013- Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families

2001- Judicial Proceedings Committee

2011- Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR)

2011- Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics

1995- Women Legislators of Maryland

Past Senate Service

Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, 2012-2013, 1999-2011; Standing Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting, 2011-2012; Minority Leader, 2011; Legislative Policy Committee, 2011; Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2011; Spending Affordability Committee, 2011; Joint Committee on Base Realignment and Closure, 2008-2011; Minority Whip, 2008-2010; Senate Chair, Harford County Delegation, 1999-2008; Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 1999-2001; Environment Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 1999-2001; Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 1999-2001.

Past House Service 1995-1999

Minority Deputy Whip, 1997-1999; Criminal Justice Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee, 1995-1999.

Public Service

Lead Poisoning Prevention Study Group, 2011; Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Action Plan Committee, Cecil County, 2005-2007; Cecil/Harford Bridges Workgroup, 2006; Law and Criminal Justice Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2005-; Task Force on Missing Vulnerable Adults, 2004-2005; Task Force on Parking for Individuals with Disabilities, 2004; Task Force to Study the Mentoring and Monitoring of Children in the Custody of or Under the Supervision of the Department of Juvenile Services, 2003-2004; Upper Shore Regional Council, 2003-; Maryland Advisory Commission on Manufacturing Competitiveness, 1999-2003; Task Force on the Environmental Effects of Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE), 2000-2001; State Children's Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council, 2000-; Bainbridge Development Advisory Board, 1999-; Maryland Tourism Development Board, 1999-; Chair, Legislative Committee of Countywide Action Team to Fight Underage Drug Use, Harford County, 1996-.

Memberships

Maryland Veterans Caucus, 2004-; Taxpayers Protection Caucus, 2003-; Maryland Rural Caucus, 2002-; Concerned Women for America (Communications Coordinator for Maryland, 1985-90; Maryland Representative, 1990-94), 1985-1994; Chesapeake Professional Women's Network; Second District Republican Club; Harford County Republican Women's Club; Maryland Federation of Republican Women; Spokesperson, Coalition for Parental Rights and Family Integrity.

Awards

Maryland's Top 100 Women, Daily Record, 2009, 1998; Certificate of Appreciation, Maryland Municipal League, 2008.

Biographical Information

Born, Charleston, West Virginia, October 27, 1951; Bridgeport High School, 1969; West Virginia University, B.S., Journalism and Speech, minor in Secondary Education, 1973; Former Small Business Owner; Realtor; Private and Public School Teacher; Political Columnist; Radio Talk-Show Host; Continuity Director, WSLS-TV, Roanoke, Virginia, 1973; Owner and Operator, West Shore Indoor Tennis Club, Edgewood, Maryland, 1976-1984; Legislator, Full Time; Married, Three daughters, Six grandchildren.