Brian D. Ballard
Brian Ballard | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1961 or 1962 (age 63–64) |
| Education | University of Florida (BS, JD) |
| Employer | Ballard Partners |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
Brian D. Ballard (born 1961 or 1962)[1] is an American lobbyist and founder of lobbying firm Ballard Partners, based in Tallahassee, Florida.
Early life and education
Ballard earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and a juris doctor degree, both from the University of Florida.[2][3] At the University, Ballard was elected student body treasurer in 1985 and was a member of the Florida Blue Key, a student leadership honor society. While at the University of Florida College of Law, Ballard clerked for a law firm based in Tampa.[4] He finished his law degree through a special arrangement with the University while he worked at the Florida State Capitol.[5]
Career
Ballard had paused his law school education to work as a travel aide for Bob Martinez, then mayor of Tampa, who was a candidate to become Governor of Florida.[4] He went on to work for Martinez when he became governor, serving as his director of operations at the age of 26.[6] Ballard was eventually appointed as Martinez's chief of staff while still in his 20s.[4]
In 1998, Ballad founded the lobbying firm Smith & Ballard with his father-in-law Jim Smith, former Secretary of State of Florida.[7] Ballard was chair of the Florida Finance Committee for Republican presidential nominees John McCain in 2008, Mitt Romney in 2012 and Donald Trump in 2016.[2]
He was named a Kennedy Center trustee in January 2025.[8]
Personal life
In spring 1990, Ballard married Kathryn Smith, daughter of Jim Smith, former Secretary of State of Florida.[4][5] In 2016, Ballard and his wife Kathryn, a Florida State University (FSU) alumnus, gave FSU a building in Tallahassee valued at $1.1 million to house the Jim Moran School of Entrepreneurship.[9]
References
- ^ Wilson, Rachel (July 5, 2017). "Florida lobbyist turning Trump ties into mega-millions". Center for Public Integrity.
- ^ a b "Brian D. Ballard". Ballard Partners. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ Jean, Tarah (January 13, 2026). "Brian & Kathryn Ballard donate $1M to Food for Thought Pantry at FSU". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved February 11, 2026.
- ^ a b c d Leary, Alex (June 9, 2017). "How Florida lobbyist Brian Ballard is turning close ties to Trump into big business". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
- ^ a b "Apprentice to power Brian Ballard may be the state's youngest power broker. As the governor's chief counselor, the 29-year-old has gained a reputation as an aggressive, sometimes abrasive, political operator". Orlando Sentinel. August 5, 1990. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
- ^ Wilson, Rachel (July 5, 2017). "Florida lobbyist turning Trump ties into mega-millions". Center for Public Integrity. Retrieved February 11, 2026.
- ^ Kennedy, John (June 9, 2011). "Smith & Ballard powerhouse lobbying firm breaks up, replaced by Ballard Partners". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved February 11, 2026.
- ^ "Board of Trustees". Kennedy Center. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
- ^ "Brian and Kathryn Ballard Donate Building to House Entrepreneurship School | University Advancement". advance.fsu.edu. Retrieved January 31, 2025.