Education:
MA, Political Science, University of Florida, 1990
BA, Political Science, University of Florida, 1988.

Professional Experience:
Public Policy Curriculum Specialist, Nova Southeastern University, 1995-present
Adjunct Instructor, Political Science, Broward Community College, 1990-present
Legislative Aide, Office of Florida State Representative Peter Deutsch, 1989-1992.

Political Experience:
Representative, United States House of Representatives, 2005-present
Chief Deputy Whip, United States House of Representatives, 2006-2008
Senior Whip, United States House of Representatives, 2005-2006
Senator, Florida State Senate, 2001-2004
Democratic Leader Pro Tempore, Florida State House of Representatives, 2000
Representative, Florida State House of Representatives, 1992-2000
Democratic Floor Leader, Florida State House of Representatives, 1998-1999.

Organizations:
Board of Trustees, Westside Regional Medical Center, 1993-present
Secretary, Vice President, Broward County Young Democrats, 1990-1992
Secretary, Young Leadership Council, Jewish Federation of Greater Fort Lauderdale, 1989-1990
Member, American Jewish Committee
Board of Directors, Southeast Region, American Jewish Congress
Member, Broward National Organization for Women
Member, Hadassah
Secretary, Hawkes Bluff Panel and Homeowner's Association
Member, Miramar Chamber of Commerce
Member, National Council of Jewish Women
Board of Directors, National Jewish Democratic Council
Board of Directors, South Florida Chapter, National Safety Council
Member, Pembroke Pines Chamber of Congress
Former Board Member, Broward and South Palm Beach Counties, Planned Parenthood
Member, Weston Chamber of Commerce.

Caucuses/Non-Legislative Committees:
Chair, South Florida Democratic Caucus, 1998-present
Member, Southern Regional Education Board Legislative Advisory Council, 1995-present
Member, Florida Supreme Court Gender Bias Study Implementation Commission, 1992-present
Second Vice President, Gwen Cherry Chapter, Women's Political Caucus, 1992-present
Co-Chair, Senate Democratic Caucus Policy Committee, 2002-2004
Governor's Commission on Education, 1996-1998
Member, Board of Directors, Florida Distance Learning Network, 1995-1997
Member, Florida Education Facilities Study Committee, 1994
Member, Classrooms First Task Force, 1993.

Committees:
Appropriations, Member
Judiciary, Member
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, Member
Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, Member
Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, Chair