Kathy Collins Lawson earned her seat on the Martinsville City Council with the highest vote total in the 2006 election.  In July of 2008, she was selected by council to serve as Mayor of the City of Martinsville.
   
     As mayor, Mrs. Lawson presides over council meetings and make appearances at meetings and special events on behalf of the city.

     A native of Martinsville , Lawson has a background in insurance, banking, marketing, and finance.  Lawson works in the insurance industry and has 30 years of services in the industry as an office manager, underwriter, and licensed service agent for State Farm Insurance and Financial Services.  She started in insurance with Nationwide Insurance and later worked at Martinsville's Burch-Hodges-Stone Insurance.

     Lawson graduated from Laurel Park High School and attended Patrick Henry Community College.  She is a member of Fuller Memorial Baptist Church.  She is an avid reader and enjoys gardening. 

     She has been active in a number of Martinsville area foundations, charities, and clubs.  She has served as President of the Virginia Jaycee Foundation, Christmas Cheer, the Martinsville-Henry County Christmas Parade Association, and the Martinsville Jaycees.  She has volunteered for United Way, the Bicycle Safety Committee, and the Exchange Club of Martinsville. 

     Her husband Ralph is admissions coordinator for Avante, Inc.  She has three children- Susan, John, and Mary-Katherine - and three grandchildren-Bailey, Skyler, and Ben.  She is available by email at klawson@ci.martinsville.va.us or by phone at home, 276-638-8173.