FRANKFORT, KY (Dec. 16, 2024)— Amanda Mays Bledsoe, senator for Kentucky's 12th District, has been honored as one of The Kentucky Gazette's 2024 Notable Women in Politics and Government. The recognition highlights her outstanding contributions to public service, leadership and dedication to advancing her community and state.

Bledsoe, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee, has been influential in Kentucky's legislative landscape. She has co-chaired the 2024 Artificial Intelligence Task Force among her many responsibilities. She also co-chairs the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee and the Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity.

Before her tenure in the Senate, Bledsoe served eight years on the Lexington City Council, where she chaired the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee. Her career includes roles as a senior program manager, policy analyst with the Council of State Governments, and adjunct faculty positions focusing on homeland security and emergency management.

"Amanda's leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to service, integrity and innovation," The Kentucky Gazette reads. "Her work has brought significant advancements in technology policy, fiscal management and community engagement."

Beyond her professional achievements, Bledsoe is a dedicated community advocate. She serves on the board of the Kentucky Blood Center and has previously supported organizations such as the Salvation Army of the Bluegrass and Natalie's Sisters. She also co-founded the Her Knight Dance initiative, which raises funds for parenting programs.

Bledsoe holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy and classical studies from Hillsdale College and a master's from the University of Kentucky Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce. She resides in Lexington with her husband, Todd, and their children, Mays and Annabeth.

"I'm very honored to be among the 39 other powerful and influential Kentucky women who have demonstrated such exemplary service to Kentucky," Bledsoe said. "This list is just a snapshot of the incredible women across the state who are professionals, advocates, mothers and much more. I remain committed to advancing sound public policy, working alongside many of these amazing women, to do my part in helping make our commonwealth's future brighter."

According to The Kentucky Gazette, its "Notable Women in Kentucky Politics and Government" list has honored over 200 women since its inception five years ago, recognizing women's impact on public affairs. This year includes the first posthumous honoree, Judy Taylor, Kentucky's first female contract lobbyist, in 1976. Her career paved the way for many women now active in state politics. The Gazette notes significant progress in women's representation: in 1976, there were only two women in the Kentucky Senate and six in the House of Representatives. Those numbers have grown to nine and 34, respectively, with women holding key executive roles and comprising a majority on the Kentucky Supreme Court. The women on this year's list continue the legacy of advancing the commonwealth through innovation, leadership and service.

Find The Kentucky Gazette's complete list of 2024 Notable Women in Kentucky Politics and Government by clicking HERE.

 ###

Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, represents the 12th Senate District, including Boyle, Mercer, and Woodford Counties and part of Fayette County. She serves as vice chair of both the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee and the Senate Families and Children Committee. Additionally, Bledsoe is an ex officio member of various Budget Review Subcommittees, including Health and Family Services; Education; Justice; General Government and Economic Development; and Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. She co-chairs the Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity statutory committee and is a member of the Licensing and Occupations Committee, the State and Local Government Committee, and the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight statutory committee. In 2024, she co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Task Force and served on the 2024-2026 Budget Preparation and Submission statutory committee.
Visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate112.jpg  for a high-resolution .jpeg of Bledsoe.