Senator Sims, a Republican, is the Assistant Majority Floor Leader and Chairman of the Aging, Families and Mental Health Committee. She also serves as Co-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence. She is a member of the Senate Committees on Public Health and Welfare, Transportation and Appropriations. She was appointed Chairman of the Joint Legislative Committee on Health Care in September 2001.

When she is not working in the General Assembly, Senator Sims is involved in numerous health, long term care, and children's services organizations. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Assembly on States Issues (ASI) Children, Families and Health Committee for the National Conference of State Legislatures; Member, National Governor's Association Policy Academy on Improving Oral Health Care for Children; and, Member Millbank Memorial Fund Reforming States Group whose main focus is long-term care. Her most recent commitment is to the Missouri Leadership Team, National Health Care Standards Campaign For Victims of Domestic Violence.

Senator Sims continues to serve many volunteer organization such as the United Way of Greater St. Louis, the Girl Scout Council of Greater St. Louis, Girls, Inc., and the Salvation Army.

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 ownership and operation of a small business from 1981 to 1988 and consultant to small businesses from 1981 to date. She also served as Chairman and Member of the State Board of Accountancy from 1982 to 1987.

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