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. She's never forgotten her family’s home in Williamson County, where they have owned their farm for over 150 years. Many of her family members still live in Williamson County.

After graduation from Georgetown High School in 1978, Lisa attended Texas A&M University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. Next, she taught public school for over 13 years in mainly Round Rock and Austin ISD. 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 in 2000 to represent over 15,000 residents of the Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District on the board of directors. During this time, she was able to work with the state legislature to enact “Truth in Taxation” laws for municipal utility districts.  She served the residents for almost four years before winning the Republican nomination for Williamson County Commissioner in 2004.  Her first term began May 3, 2004 and she is currently serving her second full-term.  Commissioner Birkman 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, the local chapter of People Against Violent Crime and several Republican groups. Additionally, Lisa was appointed by the governor in 2008, then reappointed to a second term, 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 and the Capital Area Rural Transportation System. Also, she has served as president of the board of the Williamson County Conservation Foundation since 2004. She is an active member of St. Philips United Methodist Church, where she serves in several leadership positions, including as a volunteer youth sponsor. She is also a member of the Williamson County A & M Club, the 100 Club of Central Texas, the Williamson Museum, and others.

Lisa met her husband, Rick Birkman in 1987 and married him in 1989. They have four children: Virginia, Randy, Elizabeth and Ricki. Rick, along with other family members, is the owner and CEO of a local roofing contracting firm. Two of her daughters are teenagers and she spends many hours attending activities with them.