I served as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Pete Domenici of New Mexico for five years starting in 1990. Issues related to biotechnology, especially the Human Genome Project, as well as on health care and social issues were my main expertise. During this time I focused on increasing awareness and funding for biotechnology. I worked with the Senator to ensure that those who suffer from mental illness have access to the same health insurance coverage as those who suffer from other illnesses.
I assisted in the creation of the "Character Counts" legislation that has helped Maryland lead the nation in laying a strong foundation for character education in our schools.
After moving to New Mexico to help start two biotechnology companies, I returned to settle in Germantown. My first job here was for Dr. J. Craig Venter as Vice President for External Affairs at the Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR), developing and expanding programs designed to improve public understanding and awareness of the biotechnology industry. After a year at TIGR, I became one of the founding employees of Celera Genomics, one of the fastest-growing biotech companies in history. I continue to work in the biotechnology sector as a business development consultant.
