About

EDUCATION

  • Master of Science in Education, Widener University, 1989.
  • Bachelor of Science in Education, West Chester State College, 1974.

PUBLIC SERVICE

  • Pennsylvania State Senator, 19th District, 2020 – present.
  • Pennsylvania State Representative, 156th Legislative District, 2016 – 2020.
  • Mayor, Borough of West Chester, 2010 – 2016.
  • Councilwoman, Borough of West Chester, 2006 – 2010.

EMPLOYMENT

  • Vice President, Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc., Town Planners & Landscape Architects, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 1990 – Present.
  • Teacher and Curriculum Specialist, Octorara Area School District, Chester County, Pennsylvania, 1974 – 1985.

MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS

  • West Chester University Political Science Department Legislative Fellow, 2019 – 2020.
  • World Information Transfer, Inc., In General Consultative Status with the United Nations North American Regional Director, 1998 – 2009; Treasurer, Board of Directors, 1995 – 2009.
  • National League of Cities, Leadership Training Council, 2006 – 2017; Vice Chair, 2009 – 2010.
  • Pennsylvania Municipal League, 2006 – 2017; Board of Directors, 2014 – 2017.
  • Brandywine Valley Scenic By-Ways Commission Appointed Member, Advisory Group, 2013.
  • West Chester Community Campus Coalition, Co-Chair, 2008 – 2016.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

  • Environmental Leadership Award, West Chester Green Team, 2024. 
  • Community Partner Award, Chester County Maternal and Child Health Consortium, 2024.
  •  Melmark Humanitarian Award, 2024. 
  • Downingtown Area High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame, 2023. 
  • Robert Thompson Memorial Award, Chester County EMS Council, 2023.
  • Energy and Environment Power 100, City & State, 2023.
  • 150 Most Influential Women of West Chester University, 2022.
  • Elected Official of the Year, Pennsylvania Library Association, 2020.
  • Citizen of the Year, Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, 2019.
  • Legislative Champion Award, Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs, 2019.
  • Dr. John H. Hewlett Award for Community Service, West Chester Henderson High School Black Student Union, 2017.
  • Drum Major for Justice Award, Martin Luther King Commemorative Society, 2015.
  • Women of Achievement Award, Chester County March of Dimes, 2015.
  • Distinguished Citizen Award, Marine Corps League, 2014.
  • Commencement Speaker, West Chester University Graduate School, 2013.
  • Distinguished Alumni Award, West Chester University, 2011.
  • Bayard Rustin Award for Social Justice, West Chester University LGBTQIA+, 2011
  • “Top 20 Women on the Move,” Main Line Today, 2011.

SELECT PROJECTS

  • United Nations Conference on Human Settlements, Istanbul, 1996.
  • United Nations Conference on Population and Development, Cairo, 1994.
  • United Nations Conference on Environment & Development, Rio de Janeiro, 1992.
  • Health & Environment Conference, United Nations Conference Organizer and Student Facilitator, 1992 – present.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND SERVICE

  • Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.
  • Rotary Club of West Chester.
  • League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania.
  • American Association of University Women.
  • Marine Corps League Honorary Member.
  • West Chester Film Festival Advisory Board.
  • West Chester University College of Arts and Humanities, Dean’s Advisory Board, 2016 – present.
  • West Chester University College of Visual and Performing Arts, Dean’s Advisory Board, 2007 –2016.