Born in Huntington, New York, on November 10, 1963; educated at American University (B.A., Public Communication and Political Science, 1985) ; Consultant; Jewish; Agenda Alexandria; Arlington Committee of 100; NVTA - Northern Virginia Transportation Authority ; Chesapeake Climate Action Network Champion; Virginia League of Conservation Voters, Legislative Hero; Sierra Club Water Champion Award; Virginia Education Association's Solid as a Rock for Public Education; Washington D. C. Area Building Trades Council Legislator of the Year; Equality Virginia Outstanding Virginian; University of Virginia Sorensen Institute; Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government Senior Government Executive Program ; Member of the House: 2004-2012; Member of the Senate: 2012-