Amanda Winters is a program director at the NGA Center for Best Practices, advising state leaders on post-secondary and workforce policies. Her recent work focuses on state post-secondary financing, equity, and measurable outcomes, as well as state data systems, short-term credentials, work-based learning, and occupational licensure. She collaborates with colleagues and partners to expand NGA’s post-secondary portfolio.  

Previously, Amanda was assistant director of academic affairs at the Illinois Board of Higher Education, overseeing institutional and program reviews and collaborating with community colleges and workforce boards to improve college access and completion. She also spent over seven years teaching at community colleges and universities.  

Amanda holds bachelor’s degrees in history and criminal justice and a master’s in history from the University of Illinois-Springfield. Her research has explored the history of correctional institutions and education for incarcerated individuals.