Personal Information
- Born July 9, 1955 in Akron, Ohio
- Married with two sons
- B.A., Political Science, Colorado College, 1977
- J.D., University of Denver, 1980
- Attorney, law firm of Adams and Reese LLP
- Farmer
Community Involvement
- Trustee, Tennessee Historical Society, 2007
- Director, National Ornamental Metal Museum, 2001-present
- Trustee, St. George's Schools Foundation, 2001-2004
- West Star, Class of 1999
- Tennessee & Shelby County Farm Bureau, 1998-present
- Memphis Agricultural Club, 1998-present
- Trustee, The Nature Conservancy, 1998-2007
- Junior League Advisory Board, 1998-2000
- Goals for Memphis, 1996-1998
- Memphis & Shelby County Sports Authority, 1996-2000
- Memphis Cook Convention Center, 1996-1997
- Chairman, The MED Foundation, 1992-2004
- Leadership Memphis, Class of 1991
- Director, Boys and Girls Club of Memphis, 1990-1996
- Chairman, St. George's Day School, 1993-1994; Trustee 1990-1994
- President, Buckman Boys Club, 1993; Board Member 1985-1994
- President, The Phoenix, Inc. 1988-1989; Member 1980-1990
- Shelby County Juvenile Court Advisory Council
- Member, Tennessee Firearms Association
- Member, National Rifle Association
- Member, National Association of Sportsmen Legislators
- Tennessee Statesmen
- Tennessee Cattlemen's Association
- Advisory Council Member, Mississippi River Corridor - Tennessee
Honors & Awards
- 2009 Memphis Medical Society Legislative Award
- 2008 National Federation of Independent Business Tennessee Guardian of Small Business Award
- 2008 Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference Legislator of the Year Award
- 2008 County Officials Association of Tennessee Outstanding State Senator Award
- 2007 Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police Legislative Award
- 2007 Tennessee Development District Association Legislator of the Year for the Memphis Area Association of Governments
- 2006 Tennessee Public Transportation and Safety Association Legislator of the Year
- 2005 Tennessee Parent-Teacher Association Legislator of the Year
- 2005 Tennessee Development District Association Legislator of the Year
- 2004 Tennessee School Boards Association Legislator of the Year Award
- 2002 Henry Toll Fellowship Award from the Council of State Governments
- 2001 Silver Good Citizenship Medal, Isaac Shelby Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution
- 2001 American Planning Association Award
- 2000 Distinguished Service Award, Shelby County Soil Conservation District
- 1998 Shelby County Republican Party Chairman's Award
- 1998 Tennessee Parent-Teacher Association Honorary Lifetime Membership Award
- 1997 Phoenix Old Timers' Award for Community Service
- 1996 Sierra Club Award for Environmental Achievement
- 1994 Ira Samelson Distinguished Service Award, Boys and Girls Club
Current Session
Staff Contacts
- Tracey Vance, Executive Administrative Assistant
- Liz Alvey
- Alex Lewis
Service in Public Office
- Senate member of 102nd through 108th General Assemblies
- Senate Majority Leader, 105th General Assembly - present
- Chair, Senate Rules Committee
- Chair, Veterans Affairs Subcommittee
- Member, Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee
- Member, Senate Calendar Committee
- Member, Senate Ethics Committee
- Member, Tennessee Technology Development Corporation Board
- Chair, Senate Republican Caucus, 2006
- Chair, Senate Transportation Committee, 104th General Assembly
- Chair-elect, The Council of State Governments
- Chair, Southern Legislative Conference of the Council of State Governments, 2010-2011; Chair-Elect, 2009-2010; Vice Chair, 2008-2009; Member, SLC Executive Committee, 2007-present; Chair, SLC Economic Development, Transportation and Cultural Affairs Committee, 2006-2008
- Member, Executive Committee of the Council of State Governments, 2007
- Vice-Chair Shelby County Legislative Delegation, 2003-2007
- Commissioner, Shelby County Board of Commissioners, 1994-2000
- Chair, Shelby County Board of Commissioners, 1996-1997
- Chair, Land Use, Zoning & Transportation Committee, 1999-2000
- Chair, Conservation Committee, 1994-1996, 1997-2000
- Chair, Memphis Metro Stormwater Steering Committee, 1997-2000
- Chair, Education Committee, 1997-1998
- Vice-Chair, Chickasaw Basin Authority, 1994-2000
- Law Enforcement Committee, 1994-1996
- Agriculture Extension Service, 1994-2000
- Director, Tennessee County Commissioners Association, 1996-1997
- National Association of Counties Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering Committee, 1997-2000
- Director, National Conference of Republican County Officials, 1999-2000