About Ken
Biography
- Ken Stolle was born into a large Navy family of six children, five boys and one girl.
- In 1972, Ken graduated from Virginia Beach's Cox High School.
- In 1975, he earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Berry College in Rome, Georgia.
- After earning his degree, Ken joined the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) and served from 1976 to 1987.
- As a member of the VBPD, Senator Stolle served as a Patrolman, Narcotics Detective, SWAT Team Leader, and Tactical Team Sergeant.
- In 1983, he was commissioned in the U.S. Naval Reserve serving in Naval Intelligence to help in President Ronald Reagan’s Drug Interdiction efforts. Ken served from 1983 through 1991 and retired with the rank of Lieutenant.
- In 1983, he passed the Virginia State Bar and became a licensed attorney.
- He left the police department in 1987 to practice law full time.
- In 1989, he was elected the Chairman of the Virginia Beach Republican Party.
- In 1991, Ken was elected to his first term in the state senate.
- At present, he is serving his fifth term in the General Assembly and is the Republican Leader Pro Tempore.
- Senator Stolle serves on the following committees: Courts of Justice Committee, Finance Committee, Commerce and Labor Committee, Privileges and Elections Committee, Rules Committee, and Joint Rules.
- When Ken is not representing the citizens of the 8th District in the General Assembly, he is practicing law as a partner in the law firm Kaufman and Canoles.
- In Ken's spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife Debbie have three children: Whitney, Kenny, and Ross.
Committees and Memberships
Senate Standing Committees
- Commerce and Labor
- Courts of Justice
- Finance
- Privileges and Elections
- Rules
Joint Legislative Studies
- Functions and Authorities of Entities with Transportation Responsibilities
- Operations of Circuit Court Clerk’s Offices
- Redistricting Judicial Circuits
- Joint Rules
Legislative Commissions
- Criminal Justice Services Board
- Electric Utility Restructuring>
- Virginia State Crime Commission, Vice Chair
Other Commissions
- NCSL Law and Criminal Justice Committee
Honors and Awards
2007
- Virginia Bar Association - "Distinguished Service Award"
2006
- Virginia State Police Association - "Senator of the Year"
- Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police - "Outstanding Legislator of the Year"
- Virginia State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police - "Senator of the Year"
- Virginia Sheriffs' Association - "Outstanding Legislator of the Year"
2005
- Virginia Beach Career and Technical Education - "Legislator of the Year"
2004
- Virginia Beach Education Association - "Friend of Education Award"
- Virginia Independent Auto Dealers' Association - "Free Enterprise Award"
- Virginia Thoroughbred Association - "Award of Merit"
- Virginia State Crime Clinic - "For Dedication to Public Safety"
- Virginia School Board Association - "Legislative Award of Excellence"
2003
- Retail Merchants Association of Virginia - "Legislator of the Year"
2002
- Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association - "Legislator of the Year"
2001
- Virginia Public Safety Foundation - "Distinguished Public Safety Award"
- Virginia State Police Association - "Richard J. Holland Distinguished Service Award"
1999
- Virginia Sheriffs' Association - "Outstanding Legislator of the Year"
1996
- Virginia State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police - "Senator of the Year"
1992
- Virginia State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police - "Senator of the Year"
