Lisa is a sixth generation Texan, born on the Army base at Ft. Hood in 1960. Her family lived in the United States and around the world with her father, a now retired U.S. Army Colonel.  Her ancestors first came to Texas from Tennessee in a covered wagon in 1851, when they established the town of Bagdad, which is near modern-day Leander along the Bagdad Road of today. She's never forgotten her family’s home in Williamson County, where they have owned their farm for over 127 years.
After graduation from Georgetown High School in 1978, Lisa attended Texas A&M University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. She taught for over 13 years in the Round Rock and Austin ISDs. Her teaching tenure included 9 years in Austin teaching pre-kindergarten in the state and federally funded program for underprivileged and/or non-English speaking four year olds.
Lisa has been elected to numerous positions, starting in 1998 with the Cat Hollow Homeowner's Association board.  She was then elected to represent over 15,000 residents of the Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District.  She served the residents for almost four years before winning the Republican nomination for Williamson County Commissioner in 2004.  Her term began May 3, 2004 and will last over four years, since she filled a vacated position.  Lisa is the first woman to ever hold a seat on the Williamson County Commissioner's Court.

She is also a member of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce (where she serves on the Government Relations Council), and the local chapter of People Against Violent Crime. Lisa was appointed in 2008 to serve on a state wide board, the Texas Agriculture Financing Authority. TAFA provides economic development to young farmers and rural areas throughout Texas.

Lisa’s work invests her time and expertise in all aspects of the community. She is also proud to be part of the Williamson County Mental Health Task Force, an alternate county representative to the Central Texas Clean Air Force, the board of directors of the Austin-San Antonio Intermunicipal Rail District, and a past committee chairperson for the Brushy Creek Women’s Association, where she was part of various committees including those for the Hairy Man Festival, Fourth of July Parade and the Easter Egg Hunt, to name a few.
Lisa met her husband, Rick Birkman in 1987 and married him in 1989. They have four children: Virginia, Randy, Elizabeth and Ricki. In 1995, Lisa and Rick started a commercial roofing firm, employing about 30 workers.
She and her family have been active members of St. Philips United Methodist Church in the Brushy Creek area for over 17 years. She has held numerous positions in the church, including Treasurer, Administrative Council Chairperson, member of the governing board of the pre-school, and youth chaperone.
Lisa’s involvement in the community around her extends far beyond a political scope. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Brown Santa Program, which provides toys and books to needy children each Christmas. Her involvement also includes the Williamson County A&M Club, the Brushy Creek Women’s Association, the Cat Hollow Homeowner’s Association, the 100 Club of Central Texas and the Former Texas Rangers Association.

Lisa has received multiple accolades throughout her career. They include:

• AISD T.A. Brown Elementary School Teacher of the Year (1991).
• Williamson County Republican Party Chairman’s Award (2003) for outstanding volunteerism during the 2002 campaign cycle
• RRISD Berkman Elem. Mentor of the Year for 2008
• Appreciation Certificate from the Williamson County Juvenile Justice Department (2006) for outstanding support of their programs and employees

Lisa has sponsored, donated and assisted with many local fundraising events, which include:

• Chisholm Trail Middle School Cougar Fest, raised money for after school programming
• Round Rock Circle of Friends for the Dell Children’s Hospital, raised money for the children’s hospital
• Round Rock Serving Center, raised money for the local food bank
• Greater Williamson County YMCA, raised money for youth activities
• Georgetown Area Community Foundation, raised money for multiple charities
• Williamson County Child Advocacy Center, raised money for abused children
• Hope Alliance, raised money for abused women and children
• Williamson County Humane Society, raised money for homeless animals
• Williamson County Brown Santa program, provides toys and books to needy children at Christmas
• Round Rock Noon Kiwanis Club, provides funds to a variety of charities.
• Brushy Creek Women’s Association Holiday Bazaar, provides funds to various charities
• Round Rock Women’s Club, provides funds for various charities
• Williamson County A&M Club, provides scholarships to high school seniors
• Lone Star Circle of Care, provides high quality, low-cost healthcare to needy Williamson County citizens
• Berkman Elementary’s Partners in Education program, provides school supplies for needy children
• Round Rock Christian Academy’s Crusader Fund, provided additional activities at the school
• 100 Club of Central Texas, which supports first responders and their families in times of crisis.