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Brian Ballard

President

Ballard Partners

Tallahassee, FL, USA

Brian Ballard

Brian Ballard’s Biography

Brian Ballard is a nationally recognized lobbyist and trusted advisor with more than 30 years of experience at the intersection of business, government, and public policy. Known for his strategic insight and broad network, he is a sought-after advocate in both state capitals and Washington, D.C., advising clients on legislative, regulatory, and political matters.

As President and Founder of Ballard Partners, a leading lobbying and public affairs firm with offices in Florida and across the country, Brian represents a wide range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, municipalities, and foreign governments. Under his leadership, the firm has built a strong national profile for its bipartisan approach and effective representation. The firm's accomplishments have been featured by CNN, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Miami Herald.

Earlier in his career, Brian served as a Senior Advisor and State Finance Chair to several Florida governors, including Jeb Bush. In 2016, he was the Florida Finance Chairman for Donald J.... Brian Ballard is a nationally recognized lobbyist and trusted advisor with more than 30 years of experience at the intersection of business, government, and public policy. Known for his strategic insight and broad network, he is a sought-after advocate in both state capitals and Washington, D.C., advising clients on legislative, regulatory, and political matters.

As President and Founder of Ballard Partners, a leading lobbying and public affairs firm with offices in Florida and across the country, Brian represents a wide range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, municipalities, and foreign governments. Under his leadership, the firm has built a strong national profile for its bipartisan approach and effective representation. The firm's accomplishments have been featured by CNN, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Miami Herald.

Earlier in his career, Brian served as a Senior Advisor and State Finance Chair to several Florida governors, including Jeb Bush. In 2016, he was the Florida Finance Chairman for Donald J. Trump’s presidential campaign and later served on the Presidential Inaugural Committee, further expanding his role in national policymaking.

Beyond his client work, Brian serves on a number of advisory and civic boards focused on public policy and economic development. He has been recognized by The American Lawyer as one of the nation’s top lobbyists and has been featured multiple times on Washingtonian’s “Most Influential People in Washington, D.C.” and Politico’s “Power List.”

Brian is also active in philanthropy, supporting causes related to veterans’ services, healthcare, and education.

He holds both a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Florida. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Brian Ballard’s Newsfeed

O'Dwyer's

Rolls-Royce Rolls with Ballard Partners

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Florida Politics

The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics

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Brian Ballard’s Background

Ballard Partners

President

1998 - Present

Tallahassee, FL, USA

Ballard Partners is a leading lobbying firm offering a comprehensive range of services, including legislative advocacy and strategic relationship management. Brian heads the firm’s bipartisan federal government relations team, advocating for clients on a diverse array of domestic and international issues.

Bryant Miller Olive P.A

Managing Shareholder

Tallahassee, FL, USA

The Florida-based law firm, Bryant Miller Olive specializes in complex legal work for the public sector. They serve as bond counsel, facilitate public-private partnerships, and provide guidance to governments and businesses on transactions, litigation, public finance, and regulatory issues.

Brian Ballard’s Gallery

Previous Board Positions

Florida Government | Finance Committee for GOP Presidential Nominees

Chairman

Tallahassee, FL, USA

The Florida Government Finance Committee for GOP Presidential Nominees is a political committee established under Florida’s Division of Elections. Its purpose is to raise and report funds to support and finance Republican candidates in Florida's Presidential Primary. Brian chaired the Committee for GOP Presidential Nominees: John McCain (2008), Mitt Romney (2012), and Donald J. Trump (2016).

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC)

Vice Chairman

Washington, DC, USA

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) is a bipartisan panel consisting of three senators and three House members. This committee convenes every four years to organize and oversee the presidential swearing-in ceremony, the inaugural luncheon, and other related events at the Capitol.

Center for Presidential Transition

Vice-Chairman | Finance Committee

Washington, DC, USA

The Finance Committee of the Center for Presidential Transition is responsible for raising, tracking, and transparently reporting both public and private funds that support the Center's efforts in presidential transition planning, agency coordination, and public education.

Republican National Committee

Vice-Chairman | Finance Committee

Washington, DC, USA

The Republican National Committee (RNC) serves as the main governing body of the Republican Party. It is responsible for developing party platforms, coordinating election strategies, raising funds, and supporting Republican candidates across the country.

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC)

Co-Chairman | Gubernatorial Inaugurations

Washington, DC, USA

Gubernatorial inaugurations are ceremonial events that officially swear in a State's Governor. These occasions blend constitutional tradition with public celebration, marking the peaceful transition or continuation of executive power at the state level. Brian was selected to Co-Chair the Gubernatorial inaugurations for Governors; Ron DeSantis, Rick Scott, and Charlie Crist.

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Current Advisory Roles

The Florida Council of 100

Civic Leader

Tampa, FL, USA

The Florida Council of 100, a private non-profit organization of business leaders, advises the state's governor on essential economic and policy issues to foster long-term growth, competitiveness, and prosperity for Florida.

Previous Advisory Roles

U.S. Department of Commerce

Member | U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service Advisory Council

Washington, DC, USA

The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Advisory Board offers strategic guidance to the International Trade Administration. The Committee helps to shape export promotion policies and global trade strategies aimed at supporting American businesses in international markets.

The White House | Executive Office of The President | National Drug Control Policy

Director

Washington, DC, USA

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, which is part of the Executive Office of the President, spearheads and coordinates U.S. initiatives aimed at reducing illicit drug use and its consequences. In this role, Brian assisted in the transition and Senate confirmation of Governor Bob Martinez.

Philanthropy

Florida State University

Member | Francis Eppes Society | 2016

Tallahassee, FL, USA

The Francis Eppes Society at Florida State University was an organization that honored the legacy of Francis Eppes and acknowledged his foundational role in the university's history, emphasizing its lineage and institutional heritage. Brian and his wife were inducted in recognition of their philanthropic efforts.

Florida State University

Member | Board of Trustees

Tallahassee, FL, USA

Media

Ballard Partners

News

Tallahassee, FL, USA

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Awards & Recognition

The American Lawyer

Recognized | Top Lawyer in Energy, Environmental & Natural Resources Law

New York, NY, USA

Brian was recognized by The American Lawyer as one of the nation’s top attorneys in Energy, Environmental, and Natural Resources law. This honor highlights his leadership in significant conservation initiatives, environmental litigation, and resource management in both the public and private sectors.

Washingtonian

Awarded | 500 Most Influential People in Washington, D.C.

2025

Washington, DC, USA

The Washingtonian’s “500 Most Influential People in Washington, D.C.” is an annual feature that highlights individuals who, while not elected officials or staff members, have a substantial impact on policy. The selection process focuses on their deep expertise, strategic insight, and capacity to drive action in the capital.

The Hill

Awarded | Top Lobbyists "Hired Guns" | 2020-2025

Washington, DC, USA

The Hill Awards for Top Lobbyists, referred to as the “Hired Guns,” annually ranks the most effective lobbyists and advocacy professionals who achieved significant policy victories in Washington, D.C.

Florida 500

Awarded | Most Influential Business Leader | 2020-2025

St. Petersburg, FL, USA

The Florida 500 is an annual publication by Florida Trend magazine that highlights the 500 most influential business leaders in Florida.

Vanity Fair

Awarded | Vanity Fair’s “New Establishment”

2019

New York, NY, USA

Vanity Fair’s “New Establishment” is an annual feature that showcases visionary leaders who are redefining power in the modern age. The nominees are acknowledged for their roles in shaping technology, media, culture, and more, often blurring the lines between disruption and influence.

Politico

Awarded | Politico Playbook’s Power List “18 to Watch”

2018

Arlington, VA, USA

Politico Playbook’s Power List “18 to Watch” highlights a diverse group of rising politicians, activists, strategists, and operatives from across the ideological spectrum.

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Public Service

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Member | Board of Trustees

Washington, DC, USA

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the nation's cultural hub, showcasing world-class theater, music, dance, and arts education programs. It also honors President Kennedy's legacy of artistic excellence and public service.

The Collins Center for Public Policy

Civic Leader

Miami, FL, USA

The Collins Center for Public Policy was a non-partisan think-tank, committed to developing innovative, consensus-driven solutions for Florida’s most pressing civic and economic challenges.

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Legislative Work

Florida Government | Executive Office of The Governor

Chief of Staff

Tallahassee, FL, USA

The Executive Office of the Governor of Florida, located in the State Capitol in Tallahassee, serves as the central hub for the Governor’s leadership. It oversees policy implementation, legislative coordination, and the management of state agencies within Florida’s executive branch. While serving as Chief of Staff, Brian gained extensive expertise in environmental policy.

U.S. Department of the Interior

Chief Architect

Washington, DC, USA

The U.S. Department of the Interior's Preservation 2000 initiative aimed to protect America's natural, cultural, and historical resources through land acquisitions and preservation partnerships. Brian played a key role in negotiating with the U.S. Department of the Interior to halt offshore drilling in southeast Florida and the Keys.

Brian Ballard’s Education

University of Florida

JD | Law

University of Florida

BA | Business Administration