Senator Debbie Regala
27th District   Tacoma

Official Senate Biography

Democrat: Term expires January 2009.

Elective Office: Washington State Senate, 2000, 2004; House of Representatives, appointed 1994, elected 1995-2000.

Leadership: Majority Whip, 2005 to present; Assistant Democratic Floor Leader, 2003.

Other Elective Offices: Commissioner - Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma (1986-1992); President - Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma (1989 and 1991).

Other Legislative Committees: Legislative Ethics Board; Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect; Correctional Industries Board; & Office of Public Defense Advisory Board.

Education: B.A. - Foreign Language/Education, University of Puget Sound.

Civic Organizations and Activities: Werlin Reading Tutor - 2000 to present; Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build - September 2001 and 2002; Habitat for Humanity Women's Guild - July 2002 and July 2004; Board member - American Leadership Forum, Tacoma/Pierce County - 6 years; Board Member - Sexual Assault Center of Pierce County - 6 years ; The Nature Conservancy – 6 years; Parent volunteer, McCarver Elementary - 14 years; Various school committees, including Facilities Review, and Restructuring; Tacoma Art Museum: Activities Council - 3 years, Docent - 8 years; St. Patrick's Catholic Church: Lector - 20 years, Marriage Preparation Team - 10 years and Parish Council; Board of Directors, Pt. Defiance Zoological Society - 6 years.

Recent Awards: 2006 Outstanding Legislator, Children's Alliance; 2006 Gene Cotten Award, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

Personal: Husband - Leo; Daughter - Alisa O'Hanlon; Sons - Tim and Jonathan; two granddaughters.

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