Ballard Partners Announces Formation of Venezuela Working Group as Part of New Western Hemisphere Affairs Practice

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New Practice and Working Group Include Former Officials from the National Security Council, State Department, U.S. Senate and U.S. House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ballard Partners, one of the nation’s leading government relations firms, is pleased to announce the launch of its Western Hemisphere Affairs Practice Group. This new practice area is designed to provide comprehensive strategic advocacy and advisory services throughout the Hemisphere, specifically focusing on Latin America, Mexico, Canada, and Greenland.

As part of this expansion, the firm is also establishing a dedicated Venezuela Working Group. This specialized unit will assist clients in navigating the complex regulatory, diplomatic, and commercial landscape resulting from the United States’ evolving engagement with Venezuela.

“The geopolitical and economic integration of the Western Hemisphere has never been more vital to U.S. national interests,” said Brian Ballard, President of Ballard Partners. “By formalizing this practice group and the Venezuela Working Group, we are ensuring our clients have access to the deep regional expertise and bipartisan institutional knowledge required to succeed in these critical markets. 2026 marks a transformative year for hemispheric policy, and Ballard Partners is uniquely positioned to lead at this frontier.”

This multidisciplinary team brings together former high-ranking government Trump administration officials as well as Congressional officials who possess decades of experience in international trade, diplomatic relations, and cross-border regulatory affairs and transactions, including energy, infrastructure, and critical minerals. The group will be an invaluable asset for clients looking to engage with stakeholders from Ottawa to Caracas to Mexico City and Greenland.

The Western Hemisphere Affairs Practice and the Venezuela Working Group will include the following Ballard Partners professionals:

  • Micah Ketchel. Ketchel served as Senior Advisor to the National Security Advisor at the White House National Security Council, and as Senior Advisor for the Bureau of International Organizations at the U.S. Department of State, where he liaised with the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
  • Tracie Pough. Pough served for 18 years as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who represents a Congressional district in South Florida with one of the largest Venezuelan-American communities. She has deep relationships with U.S. policymakers on issues related to Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Tucker Knott. Knott recently served in the United States Senate as the Chief of Staff for Senator Ted Budd (NC) for three years. Prior to the Senate, he worked in the US House of Representatives for seven years as the Chief of Staff for Congressman George Holding (NC-13).
  • Thomas Boodry. Boodry served as Special Assistant to President Trump and Senior Director for Legislative Affairs at the White House National Security Council. Prior to his White House service, he spent eight years on Capitol Hill, including roles with Senator Marco Rubio and Congressman Mike Waltz, where he led legislative and committee work across the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, and Armed Services portfolios.
  • Jose Felix Diaz. Diaz, a Cuban American attorney and former four-term Florida legislator, has been a key strategist in guiding Ballard Partners’ expansion into Latin American markets and beyond. As a graduate of Columbia Law School’s Parker School of International & Comparative Law and as an appointed member of Miami-Dade County’s International Trade Consortium, he brings a deep understanding of the region’s unique legal and political landscape to the firm’s Western Hemisphere Affairs and Venezuela working groups.
  • Scott Wagner. Wagner has decades of experience in cross-border transactions in Latin America, strategically advising on tens of billions of dollars’ worth of public and private infrastructure projects involving maritime ports, airports, water management, environmental restoration, and energy pipelines. As an attorney, Wagner has assisted multi-national entities with issues in Panama, Cuba, Colombia and Venezuela.

The formation of this group continues Ballard Partners’ strategic global expansion, building on its established presence in major international hubs and its reputation for delivering results in high-stakes environments.

Ballard Partners Welcomes Tucker Knott as Partner in Washington, D.C.

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Knott to join the firm following his tenure as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Ted Budd

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ballard Partners announced today that Tucker Knott, a highly respected veteran of Capitol Hill, will join the firm as a Partner in the Washington, D.C. office. Knott currently serves as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC).

“Tucker is a phenomenal addition to our team and brings with him a wealth of high-level legislative experience,” said Brian Ballard, the firm’s President and Founder. “His established relationships in both the House and Senate will be invaluable to our clients navigating complex policy challenges.”

Knott’s career spans more than a decade of service on Capitol Hill and significant experience in the private sector. He served as Chief of Staff to former Congressman George Holding (R-NC) from 2013 to 2019, and to Senator Ted Budd beginning in 2023. During these roles, he managed congressional operations, shaped legislative agendas across key committees, and provided strategic counsel on issues crucial to the business community.

Knott also spent two years in the private sector as Senior Director at Pfizer Inc., focusing on federal government relations and gaining a comprehensive view of the intersection of policy and commerce.

U.S. Senator Ted Budd praised Knott’s contributions: “For more than a decade, Tucker has provided invaluable advice to Representatives and Senators, particularly within the North Carolina Congressional Delegation. His strong moral compass, political instincts, and personal relationships on and off the hill were critical to the success of our office over the last three years. Tucker has grown to be a close friend, and I know his positive impact will continue to be felt as he enters the private sector.”

“Ballard Partners’ reputation as a leading government relations firm is unmatched, and I have long admired the team’s strategic approach and bipartisan success,” said Tucker Knott. “I am excited to leverage my experience in the Senate and House, as well as my time navigating complex corporate policy issues, to help our clients achieve their goals. I look forward to beginning this new chapter with Brian and the entire Ballard team.”

Bi-Weekly Latin America Snapshot – December 1, 2025

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The Ballard Global Alliance has released the latest edition of the Bi-Weekly Latin America Snapshot, providing timely analysis of key political, economic, and security developments across the region. The full report is available below.

Download the Snapshot (PDF)

Latin America Snapshot December 1 2025Download

Micah Ketchel, Former National Security Council Senior Advisor, Joins Ballard Partners’ Washington D.C. Office

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Washington, D.C. – Ballard Partners, a leading international lobbying firm, today announced that Micah Ketchel, a former Senior Advisor at the National Security Council, has joined the firm as a Partner in the Washington D.C. office. Ketchel will lead the firm’s newly established Critical Minerals Practice, advising clients on strategic policy, supply chain security, and international regulatory matters critical to the energy transition.

“The global competition for critical minerals is one of the most defining national security and economic challenges of our time, requiring sophisticated counsel,” said Brian Ballard, President of Ballard Partners. “Micah’s unique experience navigating complex issues at the White House, State Department, and on Capitol Hill makes him the ideal leader for this crucial new practice. We are thrilled to welcome a professional of his caliber to the firm.”

Mr. Ketchel joins Ballard Partners with extensive experience across the executive and legislative branches, offering clients deep insight into the intersection of foreign policy, national security, and global economic development. Most recently, he served as Senior Advisor for the Bureau of International Organizations at the U.S. Department of State, where he acted as a primary liaison between the Bureau and the United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

Prior to his time at the State Department, Ketchel was Senior Advisor to the National Security Advisor at the National Security Council in the White House and Special Assistant to the President. He also brings significant congressional experience, having served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Mike Waltz from 2018 through 2025, where he oversaw legislative and policy operations. Earlier in his career, he served as Counsel and Policy Advisor to Congressman Jeff Miller and the House Veterans Affairs Committee, and held leadership roles at the Republican State Leadership Committee and the Republican Attorneys General Association.

“Ballard Partners has established itself as the premier international government affairs firm, and I am excited to join this exceptional team,” said Micah Ketchel. “The ability to seamlessly integrate government affairs across domestic policy, foreign affairs, and trade will be vital for clients engaging in the critical minerals space. I look forward to leading this practice and delivering strategic results for our clients.”

Mr. Ketchel holds a Juris Doctor with honors from the Florida State University College of Law.

Eileen Stuart, David Childs, and Andrew Liebert join Ballard Partners as Partners in the Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. Offices

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Washington, D.C. and Tallahassee, FL – Ballard Partners, a leading international lobbying firm, is proud to announce that Eileen Stuart, David Childs, and Andrew Liebert have joined the firm as Partners. Together, they bring decades of experience in legislative strategy, public policy, and regulatory affairs at the state and federal levels.

“We are thrilled to welcome Eileen, David, and Andrew to Ballard Partners,” said Brian Ballard, the firm’s Founder and President. “Each brings a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of government, and exceptional reputations for integrity and effectiveness. Their combined expertise will further strengthen our firm’s presence in both Tallahassee and Washington.”

Eileen Stuart joins Ballard Partners following a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors. Most recently, she served as Managing Principal of a boutique lobbying firm, where she led comprehensive government and public affairs strategies for clients across industries including agriculture, healthcare, higher education and technology. Previously, she was Vice President for Government and Regulatory Affairs at Mosaic, one of the world’s largest fertilizer manufacturers, and served as Deputy Policy Director in the Executive Office of the Governor of Florida, managing policy and appropriations initiatives across state agencies. Stuart has become a go-to resource for some of the nation’s largest companies in navigating complex regulatory environments and successfully procuring millions in state and federal funding. Stuart earned her Juris Doctor from Florida State University College of Law and her B.A. in History from the University of Florida. 

“Ballard Partners has long set the standard for strategic advocacy and results-driven representation,” said Eileen Stuart. “I am honored to join such a talented and respected team and look forward to helping clients navigate complex policy challenges across every level of government.”

David Childs, a lawyer, lobbyist, and engineer, brings more than 20 years of experience helping clients navigate Florida’s legislative, regulatory and appropriations processes. He has played a pivotal role in drafting and passing major state legislation on water resource management, environmental policy, and energy infrastructure, including Florida’s landmark springs restoration and essential state infrastructure laws. Recognized among the Best Lawyers in America for Environmental Law and named Florida Politics’ Environmental Lobbyist of the Year in 2019, Childs has advised community developers, utilities, and major landowners on issues critical to Florida’s natural resources and economic growth.

“I’ve worked for two decades to help clients achieve meaningful results through thoughtful engagement with policymakers,” said David Childs. “Joining Ballard Partners provides an unparalleled opportunity to continue that work alongside some of the best professionals in the business.”

Andrew Liebert joins the firm after over a decade of service in Florida’s state government. He most recently served as Chief Legislative Aide and Senior Advisor to Senate President Ben Albritton, where he advanced major legislative initiatives and secured millions in state appropriations. His previous experience includes serving as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services under Commissioner Adam Putnam and as a Legislative Aide in the Florida House of Representatives. A Naples native, Liebert holds degrees from the University of Central Florida and Florida State University.

“Ballard Partners’ success is built on relationships, expertise, and a commitment to excellence,” said Andrew Liebert. “I’m excited to bring my legislative and appropriations experience to the firm’s dynamic team and continue serving clients across Florida and beyond.”

With their extensive experience in government relations, policy development, and strategic communications, Stuart, Childs, and Liebert will play a vital role in advancing Ballard Partners’ mission to provide premier advocacy and advisory services to clients across industries and jurisdictions.

Bernice Kissinger Joins Ballard Partners as a Partner, Opens Firm’s Honolulu Office

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WASHINGTON, DC – Ballard Partners, a leading international lobbying firm, today announced that Bernice Glenn Kissinger has joined the firm as a Partner and will lead its newly established office in Honolulu, Hawaii. Kissinger will focus on military and national security issues across the Indo-Pacific region, further strengthening Ballard Partners’ capabilities in this dynamic area.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Bernice Kissinger to Ballard Partners and to open our new office in Honolulu,” said Brian Ballard, President of Ballard Partners. “Bernice’s unparalleled experience and expertise in defense contracting and national security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, will be an invaluable asset to our clients and our firm. Her strategic insights and deep understanding of the region will be invaluable to our clients.”

Kissinger is a seasoned defense raid-contracting specialist and the architect of U.S.-Allied defense programs. Her work has accelerated contracting processes and the shaping of contract specifications by advising government organizations such as Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane), Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC), its contracting team at Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA), Army Futures Command, Army Contracting Command (ACC) Orlando, and others across INDOPACOM, NORTHCOM, NORAD, CYBERCOM, and SOCOM organizations. She has related expertise in policy working with the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense Acquisition & Sustainment (OUSD A&S) particularly with leadership in Pricing & Controls and Industrial Base Policy (IBP).

Kissinger’s career and work in bilateral and multinational defense technology programs spans Japan, Australia, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan. For example, her work in Japan leverages her decades-long role in a U.S. nonprofit organization established in 1983 by President Reagan and Prime Minister Nakasone and U.S. Congressional request. Through this nonprofit, she has supported Japan’s first and only Government-led Defense Accelerator and its series of cohorts who are successfully securing domestic and international contracts and Japanese funding for U.S. co-production and retrofitting in Japan of drones, munitions, and strategic vehicles.

“I am honored and thrilled to join Ballard Partners and lead their efforts in the Pacific theater,” said Kissinger. “This new role provides an exceptional opportunity to leverage my experience to support our clients’ critical needs in military and national security. The Indo-Pacific is a region of immense strategic importance, and I look forward to contributing to solutions that strengthen our national interests and alliances.”

Bernice received a B.A., magna cum laude, in East Asian Studies from Princeton University (1979–1983), and Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design National Charrette Certificate in 2011. She is a Senior Fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and a regular contributor to the public policy debate.

Her publications include:

Ballard Partners & Forward Global Announce Strategic Partnership to Deliver Integrated Lobbying & Public Affairs Solutions Worldwide

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WASHINGTON, DC – Ballard Partners, a leading international lobbying firm, and Forward Global, a commercial and geopolitical risk advisory and public affairs firm with offices across the U.S. and Europe, today announced a strategic partnership that expands the reach and services of both firms for U.S. and international clients.

As part of the collaboration, Ballard will establish a presence in Paris and Brussels as part of the Ballard Global Alliance and Forward partner Mike Rubino will take on the additional role of Partner at Ballard – an industry first – to launch the joint endeavor. This will ensure seamless connectivity and execution for shared clients, enabling direct coordination of cross-border campaigns and unified strategic counsel on complex international issues.

“Companies today face policy challenges that don’t respect borders,” said Brian Ballard, President and Founder of Ballard Partners. “A tariff decision in Washington ripples through Brussels, and E.U. data-privacy rules directly impact commercial decision-making in capitals across the U.S. and the world. This partnership gives our clients the strategic coherence they need across both sides of the Atlantic.”

The partnership brings together Ballard’s deep government relations expertise and Forward’s strength in risk management, public affairs, and strategic advisory, creating a fully integrated platform to help clients address political, regulatory, and reputational challenges worldwide. Ballard and Forward clients will receive unrivaled strategic advisory counsel that addresses interconnected U.S. and European policy decisions, particularly around trade, technology regulation, and sanctions regimes.

Forward Global brings established operations in Paris, Brussels, London, and Abidjan to complement Ballard’s Washington presence. The partnership also strengthens Forward Global’s U.S. footprint, which includes offices in Washington, Miami, New York, and Los Angeles.


“Ballard Partners is one of the most respected names in Washington, and this partnership comes at a pivotal moment in our firm’s growth,” said John Procter, Managing Partner of Forward Global US. “When a client faces regulatory scrutiny in Washington, Brussels, or London, they need advisors who can coordinate and execute the most efficient and effective strategy to get the job done.”

Rubino’s dual-partner role represents a novel approach to cross-firm collaboration in the professional services sector.

“Most firms talk about international capabilities, but few can deliver truly integrated counsel,” said Rubino. “This structure ensures clients get consistent strategic advice whether they’re navigating Capitol Hill or the European Parliament, and without the typical coordination headaches of working with separate firms. By joining forces, we’re expanding what each firm can deliver and ensuring clients have the expertise and execution they need, wherever they need it.”

    Ballard dethrones Brownstein

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    Ballard Partners’ Washington, D.C. Office Grows with Four Lobbyists and Significant Office Expansion

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    WASHINGTON, DC – Ballard Partners, a leading international lobbying firm, today announced the strategic addition of four distinguished lobbyists to its Washington, D.C. office: Thomas Boodry, Grace Colvin, Alison Anway and Scott Wagner. This significant expansion of talent is complemented by the firm’s new, larger footprint in its Washington office, occupying approximately 20,000 square feet.

    These new hires bring a wealth of experience and diverse expertise that will further enhance Ballard Partners’ ability to serve its growing client base across various sectors.

    “We are incredibly excited to welcome Grace, Thomas, Scott, and Alison to our powerhouse Washington team,” said Brian Ballard, President of Ballard Partners. “Their combined experience and deep understanding of the policy landscape will be invaluable to our clients as we continue to navigate complex issues in Washington. This expansion of both our talent and our physical presence in the Homer Building underscores our firm’s sustained growth and unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled advocacy and strategic counsel.”

    Meet the Additions to the Ballard Partners Washington Team:

    • Thomas Boodry has spent the past decade working in public service and national security. Most recently, he served as Special Assistant to President Donald J. Trump and Senior Director for Legislative Affairs at the National Security Council. Prior to his White House service, Thomas served on Capitol Hill as Legislative Director to Congressman Michael Waltz (FL-06), Legislative Director to Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23), and Legislative Aide to then-Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL). In these roles, he advised Members of Congress on appropriations, national security, and foreign policy, and served as Congressman Waltz’s lead staff for his work on the House Intelligence, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs Committees.
    • Grace Colvin joins Ballard Partners from The League of Credit Unions and Affiliates, where she served as Vice President of Federal Advocacy and Strategy for the past four years. In that capacity, she represented nearly 400 credit unions across Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Virginia before the White House, Congress and regulatory agencies.
    • Alison Anway will now serve clients primarily in the firm’s Washington office. She specializes in health policy and regulatory affairs. Alison began her career in health policy in the office of U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) where, among other things, she served as Legislative Assistant for Healthcare during the entirety of the consideration and passage of the landmark Affordable Care Act (ACA). The education and experience Alison gained during the two-year period culminating in President Obama’s signing of the ACA into law led to her recruitment by Anthem, the largest Blue Cross Blue Shield plan in America, to lead their Public Policy team dedicated to the federal health plan lines of business. In this role, Alison led a policy division committed to providing policy support to Anthem’s Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and Federal Contracting lines of business. She joins the Washington office from Ballard’s Tallahassee office.
    • Scott Wagner will now serve clients primarily in the firm’s Washington office. He is a graduate of Yale, with Honors, and of the University of Miami School of Law. He has served as the Co-Chair of Governor Ron DeSantis’ 2022 Transition Team. Wagner is a member of the Orange Bowl Committee and also serves on the Biscayne Bay Commission and as the Vice Chairman of the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District. He joins the Washington office from Ballard’s Miami and Tallahassee offices.

    The firm’s expanded space in the Homer Building reflects its continued growth and commitment to providing a best-in-class environment for its team and clients. The additional square footage will accommodate the firm’s growing staff and offer enhanced facilities for client meetings and collaboration.