1975, degree, St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York. Formerly: 1975-87, with Capitol Hill staff of Maine Senator; 1987-92, Commissioner of Professional and Financial Regulation, Cabinet of Maine Governor; 1992-93, New England Administrator, US Small Business Administration; 1994, first campaign for public office and first woman in Maine to win major party nomination for governor; 1994-96, Founding Executive Director, Center for Family Business, Husson College, Bangor, Maine; 1996, won Senate seat; 2002 and 2008, re-elected. Named one of six women who could run for President, O Magazine. Recipient of awards: Ports Person of the Year, American Association of Port Authorities, for work in helping to secure US ports (2006); Guardian of Small Business, National Federation of Independent Businesses; Legislator of the Year, American Diabetes Association.