Born Pittsburgh, PA; Idahoan since age 4; B.A. in history/secondary education, Marylhurst University; graduate studies at BSU, University of Idaho, Idaho State University and Albertson College of Idaho; NNU; Catholic; agribusiness owner/retired public school educator.

SENATE STANDING COMMITTEES: Chairman Senate Judiciary and Rules 2012-, member 2001-; Vice-chair Senate State Affairs 2015, member 2011-, member Health and Welfare 2000-2004, 2006-; Past Chairman Health and Welfare 2006-2012; member JFAC 2002-2006; Commerce 2000-2002, 2009-2011.

COMMITTEES: Joint Millennium Fund Committee 2002-, Co-chair 2005-; Co-chair Criminal Justice Reinvestment Oversight Committee 2014-; Legislative Council 2003-2011; Pacific Northwest Economic Region Idaho Council 2012-; Information Technology Resources Management Council 2009-2011; Health Care Task Force 2007-2014; Board of Health and Welfare 2007-2013; State Drug Court Executive Committee 2001-; Juvenile Custody Review Board 2002-2013; Idaho Meth Project Advisory Board 2008-2013; Co-chair, Criminal Justice Reinvestment Committee 2013-; Board of Juvenile Corrections 2013-; Idaho Criminal Justice Commission 2013-.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Girls and Boys Club Advisory Committee 2009-; Nampa Chamber of Commerce; Caldwell Chamber of Commerce; Idaho Catholic Foundation Board Member; Member of Caldwell Night Rodeo Board of Directors 1992-2000; Idaho High School Rodeo Association Board Member; President Idaho Federation of Republican Women; Former Canyon County GOP Chairman; Precinct Chairman 1980-2001, 2012-2014; Canyon County GOP State Committeewoman; Canyon County Republican Women’s President; Idaho Republican Party, Finance Chair 2001-2002; National Republican Women Board Member 1992-2000.

AWARDS: American Conservative Union Excellence Achievement; Idaho Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Legislator of the Year 2014; AG All Star 2001-; Friend of Agriculture 2001-; Idaho Fraternal Order of Police Legislative Award 2013; Idaho State FFA Honorary Degree 2013; Idaho Republican Senator of the Year 2010; Idaho Drug Court Leadership Award 2006; Canyon County Outstanding Republican; Idaho Republican Hall of Fame; Outstanding County Chair; Idaho Outstanding Republican Woman; Idaho State Marriage Ambassador.

FAMILY: spouse: Edward J. Lodge; children: Mary-Jeanne, Edward R. and Anne-Marie; grandchildren: Cade, Amara, Hadley and twins Giuliana and Declan.