Personal Information
- Assistant Professor of Law, Roane State Community College
- J.D., University of Memphis (1977)
- M.S., University of Tennessee at Martin (1972)
- B.A., University of Tennessee at Martin (1969)
Community Involvement
- Member, Rockwood Civitan Club
- Member, Dayton Rotary Club
- Board Member and Former Chair, Community Reuse Organization of East Tennessee
- Board Member and Former Chair, Mideast Community Action Agency
- Life Member, Roane County Humane Society
- Chambers of Commerce of Oak Ridge, Dayton, Spring City, Campbell, Fentress, Morgan, Pickett, Roane and Scott Counties
- Gideon
- Southgate Lodge No. 569 F&AM
- Baptist
Service in Public Office
- Senate member of the 106th through 109th General Assemblies
- Chair, Senate State & Local Government Committee
- Member, Joint Fiscal Review Committee
- Member, Commerce & Labor Committee
- Member, Energy, Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee
- Member, Southern Legislative Conference of the Council for State Governments
- Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability
- National Conference of State Legislators Nuclear Workgroup
- Roane County Executive, 1982-2006
- Roane County Attorney, 1978-1982
Awards/Honors
- 2012 Legislator of the Year, Tennessee Community Organizations
- 2012 Legislator of the Year, County Official Association of Tennessee
- 2011 Legislator of the Year, East Tennessee Development District
- 2011 Check and Balance Award, Tennessee County Services Association
- 2009 Legislator of the Year, Tennessee Association of Community Action Agencies
- 2010 Hall of Fame Award, The Bridge at Rockwood, Tenn.
- 2006 Distinguished Service Award, Roane County Chamber of Commerce
- 2013 Republican of the Year Award, Roane County Republican Party
- 2013 Legislator of the Year Award, Greater Nashville Regional Council
- 2013 Legislator of the Year Award, East TN Development District
- 2013, Legislator of the Year Award, Southeast TN Development District
- 2014 Open Government Award, The Tennessee Press Association
- 2014 Legislator of the Year Award, TN 911
- 2014 Good Scout Award, Great Smoky Mountains Council, Boy Scouts of America
- 2014 Appreciation Award, ETPA- TAPP
- 2015 Appreciation Award, Tennessee Development District Association
- 2015 Outstanding Service Award, Scott County Chamber of Commerce