Tenure

First elected to the Senate in 2010. Member of the Senate since 2011.

Current Assignments

2011- Finance Committee

2015 Executive Nominations Committee

2015 Senate Chair, Joint Committee on the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area

2015 Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness

2015 Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review

2011- Joint Subcommittee on Program Open Space/ Agricultural Land Preservation

2015 Chair, Senate Select Committee No. 10, Eastern Shore

2015 Maryland Veterans Caucus

Past Senate Service

Health Subcommittee of the Finance Committee, 2012-2015; Special Joint Commission on Public Safety and Security in State and Local Correctional Facilities, 2013; Property and Casualty Subcommittee of the Finance Committee, 2015-2017.

Past House Service 2006-2011

Economic Matters Committee, 2007-2011; Alcoholic Beverages Workgroup of the Economic Matters Committee, 2007-2011; Banking, Economic Development, Science and Technology Subcommittee of the Economic Matters Committee, 2007-2011; Chair, Worcester County Delegation, 2007-2011; Ways and Means Committee, 2006.

Public Service

Maryland Commission on Caregiving, 2017-; Maryland Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council, 2017-; Oyster Advisory Comission, 2016-; Workgroup on Rural Health Care Delivery, 2016-2017; Maryland Clean Energy Center Task Force, 2016-2017; Rural Maryland Council, 2015-; Maryland Tourism Development Board, 2015-, 2007-2011; Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland (Executive Board 2012 - ), 2011-; Governor's Commission on Small Business, 2011-; Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee, 2009-2011; Lower Eastern Shore Children's Center Advisory Board, 2008-; Coastal Bays Aquaculture Development Workgroup, 2008; Task Force on the Availability and Affordability of Property Insurance in Coastal Areas, 2007-2008; Task Force on Traffic Capacity Across the Chesapeake Bay, 2004-2006; Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bay, 2002-2006; Governor's Task Force on Eastern Shore Economic Development, 1999-2001; Maryland Commission for Celebration, 1997-2001; City Council, Ocean City, Maryland, 1990-1996; Board of Zoning Appeals, Ocean City, 1987-1990; Past Chair, Worcester County Ambulance Service Committee.

Memberships

President, Lower Eastern Shore Mayors Association, 2004; State Chair, Walk America, March of Dimes, 2004; Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, Engine 703; Ocean City Humane Society Commission; Knights of Columbus.

Awards

Legislative Leadership Award, Maryland Clean Energy Center, 2013; Certificate of Appreciation, Maryland Municipal League, 2007-2011.

Biographical Information

Born, Baltimore, Maryland, September 2, 1951; Calvert Hall College High School, Towson; University of Maryland Baltimore County, B.A., Political Science, 1974; Small Business Owner, Ocean City; Mayor, Ocean City, Maryland, 1996-2006; Development Officer, Royal Plus, Inc., 2005-; Member, St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Parish; Widower, Two children.