Elected to Nebraska Legislature: 2016; re-elected 2020

Born Carol Vacek, March 5, 1961, in McCook.

Education: Graduate of Adams Central High School, 1979; attended Metropolitan Community College.

Family: Married Joseph Blood, Jr., Nov. 7, 1987; three children: Rachel, David and Noelle.

Occupation: Business consultant

Former: CEO, La Vista Chamber of Commerce

Member: chair, Bellevue Farmers Market.

Former member: Bellevue City Council, 2008-16; Catholic Daughters Vice Regent (chair), 2012-16; Bellevue Public Safety Foundation (chair), 2006-16; Bellevue Police Citizens Advisory Council, 2005-15; chair, Veterans Day Parade, 2006-11; chair, Worldfest, 2007-13; board, Sarpy County Museum; chair, White Ribbon Campaign, 2012-16; legislative committee, League of Nebraska Municipalities, 2008-16; Olde Towne Development Committee, 2008-14.

Honors and awards: 2021 Legislative Achievement Award, Sierra Club Nebraska Chapter; 2021 Elevate Academy, Council of State Governments; 2019 Woman of Excellence, National Foundation of Women Legislators; 2019 Meritorious Service Award, Nebraska Speech-Language-Hearing Association; 2019, 2018 and 2017 Holland Children’s Movement Honor Roll; 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Certificate of Appreciation, U.S. Department of Defense; 2018 Chair’s Award, Sarpy County Democrats; 2018 Friend of Psychology Award, Nebraska Psychological Association; 2018 and 2016 Jewel of Bellevue Award; 2017 Certificate of Appreciation, Bellevue Police Department; 2017 Nebraska Wind Energy Champion; 2011 Bill and Hillary Clinton Award; 2009 Morrison-Exon Award.