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

Sr. Vice President

Amanda Banks is senior vice president at Family Policy Alliance and Family Policy Alliance Foundation. Under her leadership, the ministry hosts a variety of education and training programs for elected officials and engaged citizens. These include the Statesmen Academy for state legislators, the School Board Academy for school board members, and the Social Conservative Academy for citizens. Banks also directs the largest annual gathering of social conservative leaders, the Social Conservative Policy Conference, or “SoConCon".

Prior to joining the Family Policy Alliance team in 2019, Amanda’s career included policy analysis and advocacy at Focus on the Family, public relations at the American Red Cross and Grace College & Seminary, and elected office as an Indiana State Senator. During her legislative service, Amanda received the American Legion Distinguished Public Service Award and the Daniel Award for Excellence in Pro-Life Public Policy. She was also awarded the state’s highest honor, The Sagamore of the Wabash, by then-Gov. Mike Pence.

A native Hoosier, Banks is a public affairs graduate of Indiana University. She and her husband, US Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) reside in Columbia City, Indiana. Together, their most important work is raising three daughters.

ANDREA ROSS

Events Producer

Andrea joined Family Policy Alliance Foundation in 2021 as events coordinator and has served as events producer since 2024. She has worked in the events industry for more than a decade. Formerly, Andrea worked for Emeril Lagasse Restaurants and has experience in sales, catering, and conventions.

Andrea holds a degree in Ornamental Horticulture with an emphasis in Floral Design. Her passions are spending time with her husband Everett and raising their daughter. They enjoy cooking, traveling, and doing anything outdoors with their three dogs.

SEE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS