Amanda Fitzpatrick is a powerhouse communicator, an award-winning journalist, and a trusted crisis strategist with over two decades of experience shaping political messaging, managing high-pressure moments, and elevating underrepresented voices. As the newly appointed Communications Director for the North Carolina Democratic Party, she combines the sharp instincts of a newsroom veteran with the strategic clarity of an executive leader—crafting narratives that unite communities, inform voters, and drive progress.
Her reputation for excellence was forged during one of the most defining eras in modern public safety history. As a senior communications leader at the Durham Police Department, Amanda guided Chief CJ Davis and a 600-member agency through the 2020 police protests, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a national reckoning on policing. She rebuilt community trust by launching a real-time newsroom, rebranding the department’s social platforms under the message “Be the Change,” and doubling digital engagement. Her media strategy placed Chief Davis on Good Morning America, CNN, and the BBC—all while reducing communications costs by $15,000 and prioritizing honest, community-centered dialogue.
The Communicator & Strategist
A proven crisis communications leader, Amanda played a pivotal role in transforming transparency at the Durham Police Department during one of the most turbulent periods in modern history. She guided Chief CJ Davis and a 600-member agency through the 2020 police protests, the COVID-19 pandemic, and historic calls for police reform—launching a real-time newsroom, rebranding digital communications under the message “Be the Change,” and doubling audience engagement across platforms.
Her strategic media leadership resulted in national visibility on Good Morning America, CNN, and the BBC, while reducing operational costs by $15,000 and prioritizing community-centered dialogue.
Amanda’s political and journalistic roots run deep. She has interviewed four U.S. presidents, reported live from President Obama’s inauguration, and covered Biden-Harris policy from the White House. Her fearless reporting on systemic inequities has earned her four National Association of Black Journalists Awards, four Lone Star EMMY nominations, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hero Award.
Crisis Leadership & National Impact
Purpose, Community & Digital Influence
Rooted in North Carolina’s rural heartlands and urban hubs, Amanda’s work is shaped by a powerful family legacy of advocacy and service. She is the daughter of John Fitzpatrick Sr., former Harnett County Democratic Chair, and the sister of Rev. John Fitzpatrick Jr., a Durham attorney and pastor. Alongside her husband Yusef, she co-founded Wilmington Black Professionals, a 500-member network focused on mentorship, empowerment, and community engagement.
As a digital innovator, Amanda transforms complex policy conversations into compelling stories. Her YouTube channel has amassed over 1.4 million views, and she connects with more than 40,000 followers across social platforms. A proud Kennesaw State University alumna who launched its NAACP chapter and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Amanda lives by her personal mantra:
“Words shape worlds. My mission is to ensure they uplift, unite, and drive change.”
Now based in Durham with her husband—an Air Force veteran—and their daughter, Amanda continues to fight for North Carolina’s future with journalistic integrity, strategic vision, and a voice that refuses to be ignored.