Profile

Kim Ward is a native southwestern Pennsylvania resident who grew up in Meadowlands, Washington County. Her father, Roger, was a machinist and union member. Her mother, Joanna, has worked in social services for 35 years.

Prior to her election in 2007 as a Westmoreland County Commissioner, Kim served as a Hempfield Township supervisor from 2002 to 2007, and served as chairwoman the last three years of her term. She was the first Republican to be elected to that board in over 20 years. She is a member of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America, Women's Leadership Council, Women's Professional Business Association of Latrobe and the NRA. She was the first woman elected to the 39th Senatorial District seat.

Kim graduated from Chartiers-Houston High School and attended Allegheny County Community College, the University of Pittsburgh and Middle Tennessee State University. She is a board certified respiratory therapist.

In addition to her public service, Kim is an active member of Our Lady Grace Catholic Church in Hempfield Township and has previously served on the fundraising event committees for numerous charities. Kim served as the Director of Governor Mark Schweiker's Southwest Regional Office, was appointed by Governor Tom Ridge to serve on the Post Secondary Education Commission, and presently serves on the leadership committee of the Pennsylvania Republican Party.

Kim has been married to her husband, Dr. Thomas Ward, for 27 years and they reside in Hempfield Township. They have three children, Tom, 26, Michael, 25, and Matthew, 23.