Biographical Information
City of Residence: Key West
Occupation: Attorney
Spouse: Melodie Saunders
Child(ren): Ryan
Education: University of Florida, B.S., magna cum laude, 1976, J.D., 1979, Florida Regents Scholar, National Merit Scholar, Florida Blue Key, Omicron Delta Kappa Honorary, UF basketball, Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, University of Florida Hall of Fame
Born: October 30, 1954, Key West, FL
History: Jack A. Saunders, father, House of Representatives from Monroe County 1960-1964, Criminal Court Judge 1968-1971, and U.S. Magistrate 1978-1981
Religious Affiliation: Episcopal
Recreational Interest: basketball, diving, racquetball
Legislative Service
House of Representatives 1986-1994
Elected to the House in 2006, reelected subsequently
Appropriations Committee Chair 1990-1992
Community Affairs Committee Chair 1992-1994
Other Public Services
Florida Keys Community College Board of Trustees, Chairman 1983-1986
Florida Tax & Budget Reform Commission 1991-1992
Affiliations
Mensa
Leadership Florida
Key West Jaycees President
Elks Lodge #551 Exalted Ruler
Key West Rotary Club Director
Florida Bar Young Lawyers Section Board of Governors
Florida Keys Land and Sea Trust President
Leadership Monroe County
Highlights
Fifth Generation Key Wester
The Miami Herald poll's Most Effective House member 1991 and 1992
Secretary of State's Legislative Arts Recognition Award
Florida Jaycees Outstanding Young Floridian
Outstanding Young Men of America
Florida Jaycees Outstanding Chapter President
Jaycees International (JCI) Senator
Florida League of Cities Quality Floridian
Florida League of Conservation Voters Gold Star
Florida Audubon Society Legislative Excellence Award
Florida Sierra Club Legislative Award
Florida Conservation Association Legislative Award
Organized Fishermen of Florida Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award
Florida Network for Youth and Family Services Outstanding Legislator Award
Florida Association of School Administrators Raymond B. Stewart Gavel of Authority Award
Leadership Florida Outstanding Alumnus Award
Florida Association of Community Colleges Legislative Award
Florida School Board Administrators "67" Award
Florida Chamber of Commerce Honor Roll
Green Living Achievement Award
American Cancer Society Legislative Award
Florida Monthly Best Legislator of the Year