Education:
Attending, PhD, Political Science/Urban Studies, Michigan State University
MA, Political Science, Michigan State University, 1994
MPA, Public Administration, Western Michigan University, 1987
BA, Gerald Rudolph Ford Institute for Public Policy and Service, Albion College, 1984.

Professional Experience:
Coordinator, Calhoun County Human Services Coordinating Council, 1992-1997
Executive Director, Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan, 1987-1992
Urban Planner, Calhoun County Planning Department, 1984-1986.

Political Experience:
Representative, United States House of Representatives, 2009-present
Minority Leader, Michigan State Senate, 2007-2009
Senator, Michigan State Senate, 2002-2009
Representative, Michigan State House of Representatives, 1997-2002
Battle Creek City Commissioner, Michigan, 1994-1996.

Organizations:
Board, ACCORD Council of Churches
Member, Battle Creek Area Chamber for Commerce
Member, Food Bank of South Central Michigan
Member, Habitat for Humanity
Board of Directors, Kids 'n' Stuff
Member, Lifespan
Member, Midwest Political Science Association
Member, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
Board of Directors, Neighborhoods Incorporated of Battle Creek
Board, SNAP (Special Neighborhood Activities Program), Preschool Program
Member, Trinity Lutheran Church
Member, Urban Affairs Association
Member, Urban League of Battle Creek
Member, United Way of Greater Battle Creek.

Committees:
Agriculture, Member
Subcommittee on Aviation, Member
Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research, Member
Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, Member
Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, Member
Transportation and Infrastructure, Member