[1] Simmons graduated from Elgin High School in 1975 and went straight to work for Boise Cascade.
Before his election to the legislature, Simmons served as a board member of the Oregon Land Coalition.
He served as Majority Whip and Chairman of the Rules, Elections, and Public Affairs Committee.
In 2002, while still Speaker of the House, Simmons was hired as director of public affairs for the Oregon Association of Nurserymen.
[2] In 2005, Simmons was appointed as the Oregon State Director for USDA Rural Development.