Senator, Texas State Senate, 1992-2012

President Pro Tempore, Texas State Senate, 2012

Mayor of Plano, 1990-1992

Council Member, Plano City Council, 1979-1990

Member, Education Commission on the States

Member, Governor's Criminal Justice Advisory Council

Member, Southern Regional Education Board

Co-Chair, Study Commission on Region C Water Supply

Former Teacher, Richardson Independent School District

Former Owner/President, Shapiro and Company

Texas Representative, Education Policy Task Force, Council of State Government, present

Former Vice Chair, National League of Cities Advisory Council

Former President, North Central Texas Council of Governments

Advisory Director, Plano Chamber of Commerce

Former President, Plano Economic Development Board

Director, Presbyterian Hospital of Plano

Member, Standing Committee on Education, National Conference of State Legislators

Former President, Texas Municipal League