Amanda Lawson Pillion graduated with a B.S. from the University of Virginia School of Education in 1997, and an M.S.Ed. in 1999. During her time at the University, she served on the Honor Committee as a representative of the Curry School of Education, now known as the School of Education and Human Development. In her career as an audiologist, she has worked in private practice and at the Mountain Home Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Johnson City Tennessee, where she published research studying the discrimination of speech in background noise and in hearing aid efficacy.
In 2020, Ms. Pillion was elected to serve on the Abingdon Town Council where she currently holds appointments to the Abingdon Arts Commission, the Veterans Advisory Committee, and the Tourism Advisory Committee. In addition to her roles in numerous community and philanthropic organizations over the years, she currently serves as a member of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Board and as Secretary of the Virginia Commission for the Arts, to which she was appointed in 2019 by Governor Ralph Northam.
Following the election of Governor Glenn Youngkin on November 3, 2021, Ms. Pillion was honored to be named to then Governor-elect Youngkin’s transition team where she supported and contributed to the development of the new administration. At home, she serves on the Abingdon United Methodist Church Board of Trustees, the Johnston Memorial Hospital Foundation Board, and the Abingdon High School Athletic Boosters.
Along with her husband, Senator Todd Pillion, and four children, Amanda lives in Abingdon, Virginia. Their daughter, Virginia, is a member of the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences class of 2025. Their sons, Teddy, Henry, and George attend public school in Washington County. The Pillion family enjoys supporting the Southwest Virginia/East Tennessee UVA alumni club and is pleased to host the annual student sendoff.
Ms. Pillion was appointed to the Board of Visitors by Governor Youngkin in 2022.