Born in Richmond, Virginia, on January 4, 1958; educated at Concord College (B.A., 1980); Wake Forest University School of Law (J.D., 1984); Attorney; married Siobhan Deeds; Presbyterian; member: Millboro Presbyterian Church; Millboro Presbyterian Church; Millboro Ruritan Club; Millboro AF&AM Masonic Lodge #28; Warren Stambaugh Award (1998); Leadership in Public Policy Award (Nature Conservancy 1999); 2006 Profiles in Courage Award, Coalition of Labor Union Women Western Virginia Chapter;Virginia Association for Parks, 2007 Legislator of the Year; 2008 Legislator of the Year Award, The Washington DC Building Trades Council; 2008 Col. Michael S. Harris (Ph.D.) Award, American Association of University Professors Virginia Conference; 2012 Enduring Support Award, Virginia Association of Parks; Outstanding Legislator of the Year for 2012, Virginia Sheriffs' Association ; Member of the House: 1992-2001; Member of the Senate: 2001-