Biographical Information
City of Residence: Lakeland
Occupation: Reinsurance, citrus, and cattle
Education: University of Florida, B.A., Political Science, 1983, M.A., Mass Communications, 1987
Born: June 6, 1961, Queens, NY
Moved to Florida: 1968
Religious Affiliation: Catholic
Recreational Interest: fishing, hiking, traveling, volleyball
Legislative Service
Elected to the House in 1996, reelected subsequently
Appointed as Majority Whip for 1998-2000 legislative sessions
Appointed to Governor's Study Commission on Growth Management 2000-2001
Appointed to Florida Forever Advisory Council
Appointed to FACEE
Other Public Services
City of Lakeland Civil Service Board, past chair
City of Lakeland Pension Board, past member
Affiliations
Florida Council of Education Management, past member
Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee, past member
Central Florida Development Council, past member
Lakeland Family YMCA, past Vice Chair
Foundation for Florida's Future, past Board Member
Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, past Board Member
Junior League of Greater Lakeland, past member
Polk Museum of Art Board, past member
Polk County Family Caregivers Inc.
Winter Haven Hospital Pediatric Committee
Combee Elementary Advisory Committee
Highlights
Florida Farm Bureau, Legislator of the Year 2000
Florida Parks & Recreation Association, Outstanding Legislator Award 2000
Florida Chamber of Commerce, Top 40 Legislators 2000, 1998, 1999
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, "Paula Dockery Trail" Dedication 2000
Florida Forestry Association, Legislator of the Year 2000
Florida Cattlemen's Association, Legislator of the Year 2000
Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society, Plant Management Award 1999
Florida League of Cities, Legislator of the Year 1999
Nature Conservancy Florida Chapter, Public Service Award 1999
The Theodore Roosevelt Society, Teddy Award 1999
Florida Parks and Recreation Association, Legislator of the Year 1999
American Advertising Federation, John Cummins Legislative Award 1999
Printing Association of Florida, Paul Revere Award 1999
Florida Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association, Outstanding Legislator 1999
University of Virginia, Darden Graduate School of Business Administration Program for Emerging Political Leaders Selectee 1998
4th District American Advertising Federation Inc., Fall on the Sword Award 1998
National Federation of Independent Business, Guardian of Small Business 1998
Associated Industries of Florida, 100% Voting Record for Business 1998
The Midwives Association of Florida, Legislator of the Year 1997
Christian Coalition of Florida, Friend of the Family 1997
Leadership Central Florida, graduate 1996
Leadership Lakeland, graduate 1993
Pi Rho Sigma Honor Society 1986
Outstanding Young Women of America 1985