Born in Clinton, MO and raised on a farm near California, MO. Resides in West Des Moines. Received B.S. in legal studies/business, Central Missouri State University. Served as director of public and government relations for an electric utility company in central Illinois. Served as Staff and Communications Director, Senate Republican Staff, Iowa Capitol, Des Moines. Sustaining member of Junior League of Des Moines, active volunteer in her children's schools, and former member of Community Advisory Education Board of West Des Moines. Former Chair of American Business Women's Association (Central Illinois), and former Chair of International Association of Business Communicators Central Illinois. Member of Plymouth Congregational Church of Christ. Husband John; one son and one daughter. Serving first term in Senate.