Elected to the Florida House of Representatives on June 14, 2005, reelected subsequently
Bay County Legislative Delegation, Chair, 2006-present
Deputy Majority Whip, 2006-2008
K-12 Education Committee, Vice Chair, 2007
Postsecondary Education Committee, Chair, 2007

Florida Cancer Control & Research Advisory Council (C-CRAB)
Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA)
Florida State University – Panama City Blue Ribbon Committee
Local school parent volunteer
North Florida Research & Education Center (NFREC)
Golson School Advisory Board, past member
Stopover House, Board of Directors, early 1990s

She began her teaching career in Thomasville, Georgia. However, she has taught in Jackson County since 1985. She began teaching at Malone High School in 1985 where she remained until 1989. She then moved to the college level and has taught college prep English classes at Chipola College for the last 16 years.
American Cancer Society, Florida Division’s 2010 Legislator of the Year in the Florida House of Representatives
Moffitt Momentum Award, 2010
Association of Builders & Contractors, Inc. (ABC) - Friend of Free Enterprise Award, 2008, 2009
AFSCME Florida Legislative Champion Award - June 7, 2008, For Outstanding Leadership on Behalf of Florida’s Public Servants
Christian Coalition of Florida Faith and Family Award - August 16, 2008, Recognition for 100% voting record with the Christian Coalition during the 2008 session
Florida Chamber of Commerce – 2008 Honor Roll
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association – 2008 Legislative Award
Florida State University Appreciation Award - 2007, For extraordinary service in the historic acquisition of the First District Appellate Courthouse addition to the Florida State University College of Law