Virginia "Ginny" Lyons is a Democratic senator representing the Chittenden Southeast District in the Vermont State Senate, a position she has held since 2000. Born on September 24, 1944, in Auburn, New York, she resides in Williston, Vermont, and is a retired college professor with over 30 years of experience in teaching, research, and administration in the biological sciences, including roles as professor and director of Allied Health at Trinity College from 1973 to 2000. Notable achievements include chairing the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy from 2003 to 2013, where she advanced Vermont's early responses to climate change, renewable energy, stormwater protection, land use planning, and reduction of toxic substances. She currently chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare, focusing on health care reform, child welfare, trauma reduction, housing, child care access, PFAS regulation, prescription drug prices, and substance use disorder recovery. Lyons has also served on numerous committees and working groups, such as Appropriations, Joint Fiscal, and Health Reform Oversight, and held local roles including chair of the Williston School Board and member of the Williston Select Board from 1990 to 2000.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree from Drew University , Master's from Rutgers University, Doctorate from the University of Vermont .
• Political Experience: Elected to Vermont State Senate ; prior service on Williston Select Board , Williston School Board , and various community boards like Friends of the Winooski River, UVM Medical Center Children's Hospital Advisory Council, and Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. She has led efforts on climate adaptation, energy policy, and health initiatives through committees like Joint Legislative Child Protection Oversight and Task Force on Affordable Health Care .