Brian Ballard is the President and Founder of Ballard Partners, with decades of experience serving in a variety of governmental affairs and legal advisory roles, making him a successful advocate on behalf of his clients. Before founding Ballard Partners, Mr. Ballard was founder and served as managing partner for Smith & Ballard, was managing shareholder for Bryant Miller Olive, PA, and currently serves as “Of Counsel” to Panza Maurer & Maynard, PA.
Brian Ballard has earned a reputation as a tireless and competitive advocate for his clients’ interests.
Mr. Ballard was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Advisory Council, and also directed the transition of Governor Bob Martinez as the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (Drug Czar) in the Executive Office of the President.
Mr. Ballard’s record of public service includes serving as Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the Governor. In this role, he developed a keen interest in protecting Florida’s environment. Among his many accomplishments, Brian served as chief architect of Preservation 2000 – the largest environmentally sensitive land acquisition program in the nation. Mr. Ballard also served as Florida’s chief negotiator with the U.S. Department of the Interior to end off-shore drilling along the state’s southeast coastline and the Florida Keys.
In 2007, Governor-elect Charlie Crist chose Brian and his wife Kathryn to co-chair the Inaugural Committee, where they planned and executed the events surrounding the inauguration of Florida’s 44th Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Similarly, Governor Rick Scott chose Brian and Kathryn to chair his Inaugural Finance Committee in 2011.
In 2008, Mr. Ballard served as Florida Finance Chairman and National Co-Chairman of the Republican Presidential Nominee John McCain’s Campaign. Brian currently serves as the Florida Co-Chairman of Governor Mitt Romney’s Florida Campaign and as a member of Governor Mitt Romney’s National Finance Team.
Mr. Ballard received both his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida, where he was later inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame.
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