Barbara W. Ballard

Barbara W. Ballard is an esteemed Democratic member of the Kansas House of Representatives, proudly representing the 44th district since 1993. A dedicated public servant, she previously served on the Lawrence School Board. Ballard is the Chairwoman of the House Democratic Caucus, the first African American on the House Leadership Team, and treasurer for the Kansas African American Legislative Caucus. Beyond her legislative duties, Ballard is the senior associate director at the Dole Institute of Politics, coordinating youth leadership and civic engagement. She holds a Ph.D. from Kansas State University and previously worked as a teacher and dean of students at the University of Kansas.