Laura Padden is a native Spokanite and a resident of the Valley since the age of two. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Police Science and Administration from Washington State University. She later returned to college and earned a second Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Easter Washington University. Laura worked in private industry for a number of years and for the last 15 years has been employed at the Community Colleges of Spokane as a software developer. She is active in her church in numerous capacities and currently serves on the Finance Council. Laura is a frequent blood donor and is active as a volunteer in the community. Laura and her husband Mike have five grown sons and three.