A native North Carolinian, Deanna Ballard has dedicated her career to public service. Currently, she owns and operates a private consulting business where she advises senior leadership on matters related to strategic communication and public policy initiatives that impact education, economic development, nonprofit management and local, state, and federal government.
As a member of the North Carolina State Senate (2016 - 2022), Ballard focused her attention on serving and representing constituents across the High Country of North Carolina while directly championing efforts in improving education, budget, health care and conservation issues statewide. Prior to serving in the General Assembly, she held several positions in the executive branch of the federal government, including a commissioned officer post as Special Assistant to President George W. Bush and Director of Scheduling and Advance for the First Lady.
Ballard obtained a degree in Business from Belmont University and currently serves on numerous boards committed to advancing causes she believes in. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, running, and loves exploring new places and hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway.