Re-elected in 2020 to her third term in the North Carolina State House, Rep. Cynthia Ball is actively working for the citizens of North Carolina by advocating for progressive public policies to build a NC that works for ALL. She is committed to providing responsive constituent services and to finding common ground on policies to benefit the residents of House District 49 and all of NC. Demonstrating her commitment to strengthening public education in North Carolina, she visits schools and regularly participates in various opportunities to interact with students, teachers and principals. To connect with her constituents on important issues, she hosts Town Hall Forums on topics including public education and healthcare.
In the current 2021-22 Session, Rep. Ball has already sponsored 220 pieces of legislation - serving as Primary Sponsor on 25 bills of which she is the Lead Primary sponsor on 12. The bills she has sponsored focus on improving the funding for public education, building the teacher pipeline, improving the community responses to mental health crises, protecting the vote and democracy, and improving mental health and healthcare services in our schools.
She has served in key Leadership roles since her first term - In her first term as Freshman Democratic Chair, and in her second term as Democratic Whip. And she continues to serve in Leadership this session as Co-Chair of the House Democratic Caucus Campaign and Vice Chair of Education Appropriations Shadow Committee. These roles recognize her leadership skills and commitment to working for the future of NC, and demonstrate the respect and confidence of her colleagues.
Among many recognitions since she has been serving, Rep. Ball was named a Rising Star by the NC League of Conservation Voters recognizing her strong environmental voting record. She is proud to have earned a wide range of endorsements from various groups and organizations who acknowledge her commitment to service and dedication to issues of importance for our State.
Born in Franklin County, her parents instilled in her the importance of hard work and public education. She graduated as valedictorian of her public school in Franklinton, and then went on to UNC-Greensboro on a full academic scholarship, earning a BA in Psychology, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. Rep. Ball also earned an MBA at Virginia Commonwealth University and pursued extensive doctoral coursework in Human Resources and Organizational Development at NC State University.
After working in marketing research following her MBA, she joined William Peace University (formerly Peace College) and then NC State University, directing their Development and External Affairs programs. She also served as the Executive Director of one of NC State University's foundations. She is now practicing as a mediator, certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission. Her 30+ years of work experience, managing her business, and working on public policy issues have prepared Rep. Ball for effective legislative work and responsive public service to her constituents.
Rep. Ball is serving in her third term on the City of Raleigh Civil Service Commission and she is active with the Kiwanis Club of Raleigh. Over the years, she has served on and advised several boards including WakeUP Wake County, SafeHaven for Cats, AnimalKind, Wake County SPCA, and Artspace. With other members of Community United Church of Christ in Raleigh, she serves on the "Do Justice Ministry" and advocates for social and economic justice and equity.
Rep. Ball and her husband Dr. David E. Aspnes, Distinguished University Professor of Physics at NC State, live in a National Register of Historic Places and Raleigh Historic Landmark mid-century modern home in central Raleigh. Rep. Ball has three stepchildren and six step-grandchildren with David. Numerous cats and dogs have adopted them over the years and continue to give them joy.