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Elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2002, Margaret Donnelly brought her unique experience and knowledge to work for her community. Growing up in Alton, Illinois, as one of eleven children, her parents had stressed the importance of giving back to the community.
Her education included a Masters in Social Work, with experience as a school social worker, and eventually a law degree, followed by a private practice with a focus on family and juvenile law. As an attorney in private practice, she has been appointed regularly by the courts to represent children as the guardian ad litem in custody matters. The Women's Lawyers' Association awarded her the 2001 President's Award of Honor and she was recognized as the Guardian ad Litem of the Year from the St. Louis County Family Court in 2002.
It was this personal and professional background that led to her eventual career in politics, with a focus on education, protecting children, accessible health care and the preservation/revitalization of our neighborhoods. She serves on the following House committees: Budget (co-ranking member); Appropriations - Health, Mental Health, and Social Services; Elections; and the Joint Committee on Government Accountability. She has been recognized with the Conservation Hero Award from the Missouri Votes Conservation organization in 2003; the Lewis and Clark Statesmen Award from the Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA) in 2005; the Paraquad Disability Rights Legislative Leadership Award in 2005; and the Child Advocate of the Year Award from the Missouri Alliance for Children, Youth & Families in 2006.
Long involved in the community, Margaret was elected to two terms on the Ferguson-Florissant Board of Education (1986-1992) with one year as president. In 1991 she chaired the committee establishing the first shelter for battered women and children in St. Louis County. Her community service record includes serving as a Commissioner of the Bi-State Development Agency, as a member of the Regional Airport Governance Task Force, and as a member of the Ecumenical Housing Production Corporation Board (now known as Beyond Housing, Inc.) Currently she is a board member of the Family Support Network, a member of the Richmond Heights Historical Society, the St. Louis Women's Political Caucus; the Missouri Bar Family Law Section, and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. Margaret resides in Richmond Heights. Margaret and her husband, David Riedel, have two adult children, Julia and Adam.
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