A passionate advocate for mobility as a fundamental human right essential for a healthy life, Amanda Leigh Baird has worked as the director of communications and marketing at the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) since 2023. She oversees all public-facing channels, manages public relations and social media efforts, develops and executes public engagement strategies, and coordinates involvement in local community events.
Moreover, Ms. Baird consistently collaborates with community partners and works with the business development team to establish and sustain corporate contracts. She also acts as an in-house advertising agency—running recruitment campaigns with the human resources team, working with the mobility team to increase paratransit enrollment and planning, and launching new PR campaigns.
Ms. Baird joined the PSTA in 2021 as a marketing manager. It was in this initial role that she achieved a defining milestone in her career the same year: promoting the successful launch of the SunRunner, the first bus rapid transit line in Central Florida. As the organization’s marketing manager, Ms. Baird led the go-to-market strategy, public education campaign, and business outreach efforts for this initiative. The SunRunner’s introduction marked the largest project in the PSTA’s history, utilizing dedicated bus lanes and a consistent 15-minute service schedule to provide riders with reliable, fast transportation between downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, and nearby St. Pete Beach. Ms. Baird was subsequently promoted to senior marketing manager in 2023 before assuming her current position. She has continued to enthusiastically interact with residents, many of whom now view the SunRunner as an essential and unique asset to their community.
Before working with the PSTA, Ms. Baird gained experience as a content creator at Pyper Inc., a content specialist at Bayshore Solutions, a video producer and copywriter at Sparxoo, and a communications specialist contractor at Wellcare Health Plans Inc. The earlier years of her professional journey included time as an account coordinator with Perfect Wedding Guide, a communications coordinator and associate producer at Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters Inc., and a photographer at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. While attending Northwestern University, Ms. Baird worked as a video technician, a help desk clerk, and a member of the student production crew for the institution’s School of Communications. Her career started in 2013 with an internship in festival programming at FACETS Multi-Media (now FACETS Film Forum).
Before venturing into her vocation, Ms. Baird secured a solid academic foundation for her future success. She earned a Bachelor of Science in communications from Northwestern University and has continued her professional development through a range of programs, including at Eckerd College’s Leadership Development Institute and with the Women in Transportation Executive Leadership Program. Additionally, she has been certified in social media and content marketing through HubSpot Academy.
Throughout her career, Ms. Baird has been active with industry organizations, extending her commitment to her field. Most notably, she serves as the chair of marketing for the Florida Public Transportation Association. She also maintains membership in Chi Omega and the American Public Transportation Association. Her professional excellence was recognized when she was named to Mass Transit Magazine’s 40 Under 40 list in 2025.
Emphasizing that lack of access to transportation can lead to reduced employment opportunities and isolation — particularly among older adults — Ms. Baird has demonstrated an unerring devotion to improving transport options in her community. She tirelessly promotes the benefits of public transportation for quality of life and economic development in her region. Ms. Baird has also developed a reputation for engaging in community initiatives related to the PSTA. She attributes her success to a strong work ethic instilled by her parents and to the unconditional support of her family, particularly her husband, whom she met during her time at Northwestern University.
Outside of her profession, Ms. Baird and her husband are loving parents to two children, Kara and Will. She happily spends most of her free time with her children and extended family. Looking ahead, Ms. Baird is eager to deepen her expertise in public transportation communications and marketing, with plans to pursue a master’s degree. She also looks forward to leading strategic initiatives, such as the upcoming launch of new ferry services between Tampa and St. Petersburg.