Tarrant served for 8 years in the Maryland General Assembly passing over 30 bills during his tenure. He is most proud of his legislation that protects student privacy by banning University coaches, faculty and administrators from asking students for their private user names and passwords. This legislation has become the policy for University of Maryland Systems.

In addition to his work in Annapolis, Mr. Tarrant worked for the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company for 17 years in Sales and Government Affairs. He is currently employed by Otsuka America Pharmaceuticals Inc. as a Health Science Specialist.

He graduated from Norfolk State University (NSU) with a B.S. in Finance/Marketing. Mr. Tarrant was initiated into the Epsilon Zeta Chapter (NSU) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. He is a life member of NSU National Alumni Association and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. He is the current College Advisor for the Eta Omega chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi at Old Dominion University.

Shawn is married to his wife Latisha, and together, they have a blended family of 5 children. They currently reside in Norfolk, VA.