A native Kansas Citian, he graduated from Rockhurst High School and then Helzberg School of Business at Rockhurst University, Kansas City earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a major in marketing. Dan has worked in finance and insurance, corporate sales and finance, business development and as a community leader in local politics.

​

Mr. Tarwater was elected to the Jackson County Legislature in 1994, and then reelected in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018. He is currently works with Twin Lakes Insurance.

For twenty-eight years he has served as the chairman of the Anti-Drug Committee. Other accomplishment came as a member of the Finance and Audit Committee, on the Health and Justice Committee, and on the Inter-Government Affairs Committee. He served on the board of the Kansas City Zoo, 3 & 2 Baseball and many other boards. Within each post held, and with his current leadership role, Dan continues to demonstrate an exemplary level of integrity.

​

He has a wife, Paula, and 3 children: Abby, Danny, and Mitch.