Commissioner Amanda Ballard grew up in upstate South Carolina and relocated to Manatee County following her graduation from law school in 2014. Before her election to the Manatee County Commission in 2022, she served for almost eight years as an attorney within the local child welfare system, where she dedicated her career to advocating for children and supporting vulnerable families.

She is passionate about housing affordability, reducing homelessness, addiction recovery, job training, and strengthening Manatee County families.

Commissioner Ballard has a longstanding commitment to public service and community engagement. She previously served on the Board of Directors for Feeding Empty Little Tummies (F.E.L.T.) in Palmetto and was an active member of the Junior League of Manatee County from 2018 to 2024. In 2024, she was honored with SRQ Magazine’s Women Who Roar Award for community leadership.

She serves as Chair of the Public Safety Coordinating Council and as Commissioner liaison to the Children’s Services Advisory Board. She is Vice Chair for the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness Leadership Council. She also serves on the Circuit 12 Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. In addition, she serves as Chair for the Tourist Development Council.

She and her husband, David, are the proud parents of three children—Cecilia, Brooke, and Barrett. The Ballard family are active parishioners at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church. Outside of her public service, Commissioner Ballard enjoys reading, drawing, cooking, spending time with family, and collecting vintage clothing.