Debby Ballard is Founder and CEO of The Ballard Connection, which links highly qualified and diverse talent with business opportunities. Prior to starting her business in 2020, Debby was President of the Sprint Foundation and Director of Community Affairs. During her 35 years with Sprint, Ms. Ballard held management positions in corporate social responsibility, organizational development, training, and sales operations.

Debby currently serves on numerous Kansas City area boards and committees, including the Greater Kansas City Chamber (Committee Lead), Metropolitan Community College Endowment Campaign (Committee Lead), University of Missouri Kansas City Trustee (board chair in 2022), Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy, Francis Family Foundation and Turn the Page.

She has received numerous honors, including the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award from University of Central Missouri and an honorary doctorate from William Jewell College for her civic and community leadership. Debby holds a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Central Missouri. She resides in the Kansas City area with her husband, and they have 3 adult children.