Maness serves as a member of the town council from Lexington, South Carolina, and has been the executive director of the Palmetto State Teachers Association since February 16, 2005.

[1] In 2020, she was elected as the president of the National League of Cities, succeeding Los Angeles councilman Joe Buscaino.

As president, Maness organized a conference to discuss nation-wide advancements in economics, COVID-19 relief, and infrastructure.

[5] Outgoing superintendent of education, Molly Spearman, who declined to serve a third term, endorsed Maness.

"[7] Maness was born in Lancaster, South Carolina, where her father served as a member of the city council.