Ballard Partners announcement of Michael LaRosa joining Washington office

Anthony Williams, Former Senior Advisor to Gov. Newsom, Joins Ballard

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Newsom’s Former Legislative Affairs Secretary to Helm Firm’s New Sacramento Office 

Anthony C. Williams, former Legislative Affairs Secretary for California Governor Gavin Newsom, is joining Ballard Partners, one of the top government relations firms in the United States. Williams will lead the firm’s new office in Sacramento as its Managing Partner. 

“We are delighted to have Anthony join us and lead our new office in Sacramento,” said Brian Ballard, the firm’s President and Founder. “There are very few people who understand Sacramento as well as Anthony and who are as widely respected there as he is. Our office in Los Angeles has achieved remarkable success and now with Anthony’s presence in Sacramento, we intend to become one of the most effective government affairs firms in the state of California.” 

Williams recently served as Director of Public Policy for Amazon, and from 2014 to 2019 he served as Director of National Strategy and Engagement at the Boeing Company. In addition to his role as Legislative Affairs Secretary for Governor Newsom for the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions, his public service included working as the Policy Director and Special Counsel in 

the California State Senate from 2010 to 2014. He also served as Director of Government Affairs for the State Bar of California from 2004 to 2007, and Legislative Advocate at the Judicial Council of California from 1994 to 1999. From 2007 to 2010, he was the Founding Partner at Wada Williams Law Group. 

“Knowing of the firm’s exceptional national reputation and having seen first-hand the firm’s work in Southern California, I am delighted and honored to join Ballard Partners and open its new office in Sacramento,” said Williams. “Our strong presence in Los Angeles and Sacramento will allow us to provide exceptional service to the firm’s clients here in California.” 

Williams currently is a member of the Board of Directors of the California High-Speed Rail Authority and was previously appointed by Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown and Governor Newsom to terms on the California Fish and Game Commission.