Deanna Ballard is a native of North Carolina who has built a career based on dedicated service to others and a firm foundation in conservative values. She currently serves as Director, Public Policy for Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization headquartered in Boone. She advises and assists senior leadership and other stakeholders in determining effective communication and public policy strategies to move the organization forward in accordance with their core missions. Prior to that she served as Director of the Office of the President/CEO, Franklin Graham, and served as one of the youngest commissioned officers and Directors in the Executive Office of the President under George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush.

As a former member of the North Carolina State Senate, Deanna has worked diligently to represent her constituents while serving as a Co-Chair of the Committees on Education/Higher Education Appropriations & Education/Higher Education, and as a member of the Committees on Appropriations/Base Budget, Health Care, Nominations, Rules, and Transportation.