Born South Milwaukee, May 31, 1968; 2 children. Graduate South Milwaukee H.S.; B.A. in communications and public relations Marquette U. 1990; M.A. in communications and public relations Marquette U. 1992. Former investment agent. Member: Boy Scouts of America Community Fund Raising (former chp.); Marquette U. Alumni Assn.; Ancient Order of Hibernians; Dem. Party of Wis.; Democratic Leadership Coun.; South Milwaukee Lions Club; American Legislative Exchange Coun.; Youth in Govt. (bd. of governors); Center for Policy Alternatives Flemming Fellowship. Recipient: Wis. Builders Assn. Friend of Housing Award 2008; Wis. Grocers Assn. Friend of Grocers Award 2008; Wis. State Telecommunications Assn. Excellence in Legislative Leadership Award 2007-08; Wisconsin Elec. Cooperatives Enlightened Legislator of the Year 2008; Wis. Federation of Cooperatives Friend of Cooperatives Award 2008; Wis. Counties Assn. Outstanding Legislator Award 2008; Stem Cell Now Voice of Courage 2006; Dept. of Veterans Affairs Certificate of Commendation 2006; WMC Working for Wisconsin Award 2004, 2002, 2000, 1998; NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award 1998. South Milwaukee City Council 1993-96. Majority Caucus Vice Chairperson 2007; Minority Caucus Chairperson 2005.