Brian - Brian Ballard, Lobbyist
Lawyer and lobbyist Brian Ballard has the honor of being named one of the "Top 10 Republicans in Florida" by Campaign and Elections Politics. His long and storied career demonstrates how Ballard could earn such a title. He began his political career during the Reagan era, serving as an intern to the budget director under President Reagan. In 1988, he served as the Chief of Staff for the Executive Office of Florida Governor Bob Martinez. While Chief of Staff, Ballard set the record for being the youngest person to ever hold such an elevated position.
Brian Ballard's roots in Florida run deep. He received his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Florida. He decided to continue his education at the school and went to earn his JD there. After schooling, he held a position as an adjunct instructor and was also named to the University's Hall of Fame.
When he was serving under Governor Martinez, Brian Ballard began to develop an interest in the public good, particularly in issues surrounding the environment. He worked with the United States Department of the Interior to put a stop to drilling offshore along the state's Southern coast and in the Florida Keys. Ballard also served as the chief architect for Preservation 2000, a program to publicly acquire environmentally vulnerable lands. Preservation 2000 is the largest program of its kind in the country.
Brian Ballard's experience in service goes beyond environmental concerns. He also has extensive experience as a lobbyist. He is currently the president of Ballard Partners, a firm based in Florida that focuses on the affairs of the public as well as on governmental affairs. Before founding Ballard Partners, Brian Ballard was the managing partner and founder of Smith and Ballard.
Ballard's commitment to the environment and to public affairs has won him some recognition. He received the Historic Preservation Award. Ballard also sat on a number of review boards and committees. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the American Bar Association. He has also been part of the Council of 100 and the Collins Center for Public Advocacy.