Graduate Nathan Hale High School (West Allis), 1970; attended University of Wisconsin-Waukesha; B.A. in Elementary Education, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 1974.

Co-owner of farm equipment business. Former first grade teacher.

Member- Council of State Governments (chair 2021, 2020); Midwest Legislative Conference (chair 2016); Markesan Chamber of Commerce (former treasurer); Waupun Chamber of Commerce; Green Lake County Farm Bureau; Waupun Memorial Hospital (board of directors, former chair); Agnesian HealthCare Enterprises LLC management committee (former secretary); volunteer, Markesan District Schools; Markesan PTA (former president); Markesan American Field Service Chapter (hosting coordinator, president, former host family, liaison); Wisconsin Legislative Children's Caucus; Agricultural Export Advisory Council.

Former member- FEMA V Regional Advisory Council.

Elected to Markesan City Council, 1987-91; mayor of Markesan, 1991-97; Assembly 2004-2018. Majority Caucus Chair 2013, 2011. Elected to Senate 2020. Majority Caucus Vice-Chair 2023.

Member of Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council, Building Commission, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, Council on Tourism, Midwestern Higher Education Commission and Wisconsin Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial Commission