Meet Amanda Ballard

Wife, mother of three, former child welfare attorney, and Manatee County Commissioner for District 2.

Amanda Ballard with her husband and three children

I am a wife, a mother of three young children — Cecilia, Brooke, and Barrett — and a former child welfare attorney for the Florida Department of Children and Families. In that role, I spent eight years representing the State of Florida in cases involving abandonment, abuse, and neglect to protect vulnerable children and hold offenders accountable.

My work required close coordination with law enforcement, judges, and social service agencies, giving me firsthand experience with the real-world consequences of weak policies and poor oversight.

This work put me face to face with the toughest problems in our community — things most people would rather ignore, like substance abuse, homelessness, and child maltreatment. It gives me a unique perspective, and informs my work as a Commissioner.

We’ve been able to make huge strides dealing with the issues that plague our urban core as a result of that knowledge, experience, and determination to make the changes that matter. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, cooking, reading, and thrift shopping.

Let’s connect

Questions, ideas, or neighborhood concerns — the campaign wants to hear from you.