Rev. Amanda Banda serves as Director of Communications for the Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church, a role she began on July 1, 2025. In this position, she leads strategic communication efforts, strengthens digital engagement, and helps tell the stories of how God is at work across local churches and communities throughout the conference. She serves as a member of the Extended Cabinet and works collaboratively with conference leadership to support clear, connected, and effective communication.
Amanda brings a diverse background in communications, public relations, and digital ministry, with experience across church, corporate, and educational settings. Prior to her current role, she served as a Communication Specialist at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Brownsville, where she led media production, social media strategy, and design initiatives. She also worked in public relations and marketing for Harlingen CISD, contributing as an editor, videographer, social media manager, and studio director. In addition, Amanda has taught courses in audio/video production, graphic design, and digital storytelling, equipping others to communicate with clarity and creativity.
Amanda is a licensed local pastor in The United Methodist Church and is currently pursuing her Master of Divinity at SMU Perkins School of Theology (Class of 2027). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership from the University of Arizona Global Campus.
She is actively engaged in the life of the conference, serving on the Extended Cabinet, the Rio Texas Commission on Archives and History (Staff Liaison), the Uniting Table (Staff Liaison), and the Committee on Nominations. She previously served on the Rio Texas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, the Finance Table, and the Crossroads District Strategy Team.
At the denominational level, Amanda serves in leadership with the United Methodist Association of Communicators (UMAC) as Communications Lead, collaborating on newsletter, social media, and communication strategy, and as Secretary on the UMAC Executive Team, supporting organizational leadership and governance.
Amanda is passionate about helping churches share their stories in authentic and meaningful ways, believing that storytelling is a vital part of how the Church witnesses to God’s work in the world. If you have a story of hope, ministry, or impact from your church or community, she would love to hear from you. You can share your story by emailing amandabanda@riotexas.org.
Her husband, George, is a Network Administrator for UTHealth School of Public Health in San Antonio and enjoys serving in the local church, particularly in AV and production ministries. Together with their three children, they are actively involved in church life, serving in worship, media, and ministry, and participating in retreats, camps, and mission opportunities.