Winnie Ballard

Since Winnie Ballard became the First Lady of Indianapolis, she has been working hard to improve financial literacy in our city by making sure families have access to the tools and resources they need to be more financially fit. With eight years of banking experience and the former owner of a bookkeeping business, she understands the importance of financial fitness for the entire family.

In October 2008, Mrs. Ballard, working with the City of Indianapolis, launched Indy’s Campaign for Financial Fitness, a public-private partnership between the city, federal and state governments, corporations, financial institutions and community-based organizations.

Mrs. Ballard spearheaded this innovative three-pillar program, which raises awareness of the importance of financial health by giving residents access to no- or low-cost bank products, free tax preparation, and teaches financial fundamentals through household budgeting coaching.

In October 2009, under her leadership, she launched the Bank On Indy initiative. Mrs. Ballard keeps herself busy with expanding the ICFF three-pillar financial fitness program to serve our Indianapolis families by taking the “Live within your means” program to families where they live and work.

She actively supports other causes, including arthritis awareness and minority- and women-owned business and diversity initiatives within our city. She is also a physical fitness advocate, and in September 2009 launched the “Walk with Winnie Series” in partnership with Indy Parks.

Mrs. Ballard is an accountant by trade, and she and Mayor Ballard — her husband of 31 years — reside in Pike Township. They have two children, both of whom graduated from Indiana University.

For more information, please visit the First Lady of Indianapolis website.