Senator Sims, a Republican, serves on the Senate Committees on Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence; Public Health and Welfare; Aging, Families and Mental Health; Education; and Housing and Insurance.

When she is not working in the General Assembly, Senator Sims is involved in numerous volunteer organizations. She has given her time to the United Way of Greater St. Louis since 1970, serving a s chairman of the Planning Council, Admission Committee and Day Care Panel and, most notably, as its first woman vice-president.

Senator Sims has served as president and chairman of the board of the Girl Scout Council of Greater St. Louis, the largest council in the nation serving 43,000 girls. She is a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and served for 20 years as buyer for the Missouri Botanical Garden's gift shop.

These charitable acts have garnered her several awards, such as the 1993 Fundraising Volunteer of the Year Award from the National Society of Fundraising Executives, the 1992 YWCA Leader for Community Service award and the 1990 Channel 11 Community Leader of the Year Award. She was named a Woman of Achievement in 1972.

Senator Sims received a bachelor's degree from Washington University in 1956 and a master's degree form Southern Illinois University in 1981. Her professional experience includes owning and operating a business from 1981 to 1988 and serving as a consultant to small businesses. She also served on the State Board of Accountancy from 1982 to 1987 as a member and chair.

Senator Sims is married to Dr. William A. Sims, Jr. They have two children, Molly and Betsy and two grandchildren.