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.