Statesmen Academy Leadership

STATESMEN ACADEMY LEADERSHIP TEAM

CRAIG DeROCHE

President & CEO

Craig DeRoche is a man whose life and family have been completely transformed by Jesus Christ. Craig has been married to Stacey DeRoche since 1998. They live in Michigan with their three daughters and their dog Remington. Craig was one of the youngest persons ever elected as Speaker of the House in Michigan, and former president of Justice Fellowship, founded by Chuck Colson.

Craig has nearly 30 years of experience advancing the dignity and worth of all human life, religious freedom, and family values in public policy. For almost a decade, Craig focused on advancing the value of life through second chances and redemption for those in America’s justice system.

Craig speaks to this personally in his published memoir, Highly Functional, detailing his fall into and triumph over addiction through surrender to Jesus Christ. Craig served as a member of the congressionally created Charles Colson Task Force on Federal Prison Reform that he and the members presented to President Obama, and he was invited to stand next to President Donald J. Trump in the Oval Office as he signed the First Step Act into law. Indeed, Craig has had the privilege of working personally with the last three presidents of the United States.

Craig is a frequent speaker and author and is regarded as a leading voice in American faith-based public policy. He has been published in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Fox News, Christianity Today and dozens of other leading news agencies. He is also the author of the Christian small group study guide and book Outrageous Justice. In 2016, Craig was featured in the Academy Award-nominated documentary 13th.

Craig has a Bachelor of science degree in business from Central Michigan University. He is a graduate and emeritus advisory board member of the Michigan Political Leadership Program at Michigan State University.

AMANDA BANKS

Vice President, Education

Amanda Banks is vice president of education at Family Policy Foundation and Family Policy Alliance. She leads all education and training programs for the ministry, including statesmanship and communications training for elected officials, and professional development for alliance partners. Banks directs the Statesmen Academy – an annual training event and corresponding alumni community that equips Christian legislators for effective, impactful public service. She has recently developed the School Board Academy – the nation’s first training program for pro-family school board members and candidates taught from a biblical worldview.

Amanda is a former state senator with a unique story. In 2014 her husband, then-state Sen. Jim Banks, deployed to Afghanistan as a Navy Reserve officer. Consequently, Amanda was elected Indiana State Senator—District 17 for the 2015 session. During her legislative service, Banks received the American Legion Distinguished Public Service Award and the Daniel Award for Excellence in Pro-Life Public Policy from Allen County Right to Life. Then-Gov. Mike Pence awarded Amanda the state’s highest honor, The Sagamore of the Wabash.

A public affairs graduate of Indiana University, Banks began her career at Focus on the Family as federal policy analyst. There she advocated for pro-family policies, acted as a media spokesperson, and prepared Dr. James Dobson for radio broadcasts and media interviews. Banks went on to work in public relations at the American Red Cross and Grace College & Seminary.

Amanda and her husband, Rep. Jim Banks (IN-03), split their time between Washington, D.C., and their hometown of Columbia City, Indiana. Together, their most important work is raising three daughters.

SEE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS