Leadership Roles
Democratic Leader pro tempore (2004-2006)
Biographical Information
City of Residence: Delray Beach
Occupation: Government Affairs and General Consulting
Spouse: James J. Whalen (deceased) of Boston, Massachusetts
Education: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College; Palm Beach Community College; Barry University; Florida Atlantic University
Born: December 23, 1947, Xenia, OH
History: Father, President of Mechanicsburg, Ohio School Board of Education
Moved to Florida: 1983
Religious Affiliation: Catholic
Recreational Interest: cooking, gardening, reading, spinning
Legislative Service
Elected to the House in 2000, reelected subsequently
Democratic Leader pro tempore 2004-2006
Affiliations
Palm Beach County Women's Chamber of Commerce 1998-present
Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce 1992-present
National Organization for Women 1973-present
Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence (AVDV), Board of Directors
JFK Hospital, Board of Directors
Pineapple Grove Main Street
Highlights
Flemming Leadership Institute, Flemming Fellow 2004
Florida Chamber of Commerce, Honor Roll 2004
Florida Silver-Haired Legislature, Favorite Friendly Legislator 2004
National Association of Social Workers, Elected Official for the Year 2004
American Jewish Congress, Civic Leader of the Year 2003
Center for Women's Policy Studies, National Honor Roll of State Legislators 2003
Sierra Club, Florida Chapter Legislator of the Year Award 2003
American Cancer Society, Legislative Leadership Award 2001, 2002
Florida League of Conservation Voters, Leadership Award for Election Reform 2001
The Trust for Public Land, Legislative Leadership Award 2001
Florida Women's Consortium, Annette Van Howe Failure is Impossible Award 2000
Palm Beach County Women's Chamber of Commerce, Giraffe Award for Women Who Stick Out Their Necks in Their Community 2000