Delegate Bonnie Brown was first elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1982.  She served until 1988, when she undertook an unsuccessful run for the state senate.  The experience, during that period of 1988-1990 was an opportunity to lobby, once again, for her causes.  A strong voice for women and children, she was re-elected in 2000, 2002, and 2004 and has just completed her eighth term representing Kanawha County's 30th District.  Delegate Brown has served on most legislative committees during her tenure.  She chaired the Committee on Constitutional Revision, the Commission on Juvenile Law, and was Vice Chair of the Insurance Committee.  Currently, she chairs the Legislative Women's Caucus.

In 1977, Bonnie began her political career as a lobbyist for women's and children's issues.  It was the same year the Women's Commission was a fledgling entity and efforts were being made, including lobbying, to make the commission statutory.  The effort was successful, and Governor Jay Rockefeller appointed her to the advisory committee.  She then went on to head the legislative committee of the commission, and initiated the first Women's Day at the Legislature.

Delegate Brown has received the state's Susan B. Anthony Award for furtherance of women's rights, and a similar local award.  The local Business and Professional Women awarded her their "Woman of the Year" award.  And most recently, the West Virginia Women's Commission presented Bonnie with the "Guardian Angel" award for her work on behalf of women, children, and families.

In addition to local and state awards, in 1993, she was nationally honored as "Legislator of the Year" by the National Child Support Enforcement Association, and, in 2005, was named ""Legislator of the Year" by the American Psychological Association.

Bonnie's current community involvements include chairing the Charleston Job Corps Community Relations Council and serving on the board of the WV Youth Advocate Program, Friends of Public Radio, and the WV Society of Association Executives.

She formerly chaired the South Charleston Human Rights Commission, and also the South Charleston Safety Committee.  While serving as executive director of the South Charleston Chamber of Commerce, she also served on the Area Development Board and that of the South Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau.  In addition, she served on the Mental Health Association, sponsoring the first mental health parity legislation.

Bonnie chairs the Equal Pay Commission and also the Employee Suggestion Award Board. She serve as State Director for Women in Government, and State Director for
the Women's Legislative Lobby (both national organizations), and is involved in the Women's Network of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Bonnie's many civic affiliations include Rotary International, the League of Women Voters, and the American Association of University Women.

As a woman legislator, Bonnie has focused attention on women's and children's issues--those most affected by our policies.  In addition, she enjoys speaking to and educating people about civics, how they can be effective in participating in the legislative process, and affecting policy.  Many of her presentations are to students in the classroom, at both the elementary and high school levels.  She annually participates in "Legislators Back to School Week," initiated by the National Conference of State Legislators, by visiting schools and speaking to 4th and 5th graders about civics.

Married for 40 years to Gary Brown, who is now retired for Union Carbide, Bonnie is the mother of Mollie and Joel and grandmother of Casey.