BRIAN D. BALLARD

Brian D. Ballard, President

Brian has earned a reputation as a tireless, persistent and effective advocate for his clients’ interests. He has been recognized in The Hill: Top Lobbyists / Hired Guns 2021, 2020, Florida Trend’s 2021, 2020 Most Influential Business Leaders, named a member of Vanity Fair’s “New Establishment for 2019″, and listed among the 18 to watch in 2018 by Politico Playbook Power List. His accomplishments have spanned over 25 years and includes legislative successes on hundreds of policy and funding initiatives in Florida and Washington, DC.

Brian has taken his passion for politics and policy to the national scene, opening up Ballard Partners’ Washington, DC office in February 2017. He is spearheading the firm’s successful efforts with a first-class bi-partisan government relations team that represents clients across the federal landscape and impacting a myriad of domestic and foreign affairs issues.

As one of the top political insiders in Florida and Washington, Brian’s political portfolio includes meaningful roles in several presidential and gubernatorial campaigns. He chaired the Florida Finance Committee of Republican presidential nominees John McCain in 2008, Mitt Romney in 2012 and Donald J. Trump in 2016.  Additionally, Brian has served as vice chairman of the Presidential Inaugural Committee and was appointed as a member of the Presidential Transition Finance Committee. Recognizing his formidable fundraising and political skills, the Republican National Committee tapped Brian to serve as the Finance Vice Chairman to help build resources for key national races.

Brian and his wife Kathryn were honored to be selected by three Florida Governors to plan and execute their inaugural ceremony and events, serving as Co-Chairs of the inauguration for Governor Ron DeSantis, Governor Rick Scott and Governor Charlie Crist.

Among his important public service experience, Brian currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He previously served on the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Advisory Council, after appointment by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. He also directed the transition and assisted in the U.S. Senate confirmation of Governor Bob Martinez as the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (Drug Czar) in the Executive Office of the President.

As chief of staff in the Executive Office of the Governor, Brian developed a special interest in environmental issues. Among his accomplishments, he served as chief architect of Preservation 2000, the largest public acquisition program for environmentally sensitive lands in the nation. He also served as Florida’s chief negotiator with the U.S. Department of the Interior to end offshore drilling along the state’s southeast coastline and the Florida Keys. The American Lawyer magazine rated Brian as one of America’s top rated lawyers in the field of Energy, Environmental and Natural Resources law.

Committed to community service, Brian has been a member of the Council of 100, the Collins Center for Public Policy, Florida Governor’s Mansion Foundation, and the City of Tallahassee Architectural Review Board. He has received Florida’s highest award for historic preservation recognizing his efforts involving preservation of historic buildings. In 2016, Brian and Kathryn were inducted into Florida State University’s Francis Eppes Society for their philanthropic support to the University.

Before establishing Ballard Partners, Brian served as managing shareholder for Bryant Miller Olive P.A. He currently serves as counsel to Panza, Maurer & Maynard, P.A. He received both his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida, where he was later inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame.

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CAROL BRACY

Carol has been an integral part of the firm for over ten years, providing a diverse client portfolio with political, strategic and policy direction before the Florida Legislature, Executive Branch, and Cabinet agencies. Her range of experience includes work on corporate, public sector, and non-profit issues, including but not limited to, appropriations, economic development, emerging technologies, commerce, health care, education, and regulatory matters.

Carol’s legislative career spans over two decades holding leadership roles during her tenure. Prior to joining the firm in 2007, Carol served as chief of staff to Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings. In this capacity, Carol assisted in the development and implementation of Governor Jeb Bush’s Commission on the Future of Space & Aeronautics in Florida. The Commission’s efforts led to the passage and implementation of the Space Florida Act, which created a new aerospace agency for the state and provided $35 million in state appropriations for NASA’s Crew Exploration Vehicle project.

Carol’s professional experience also includes more than 10 years representing Florida’s 67 counties and their elected officials at the state and federal levels. During her time at the Florida Association of Counties, she served as the interim executive director and the legislative director working on a variety of public policy areas such as health care, community development, local government administration and governance, finance and tax, workforce housing, and appropriations issues.

Carol serves as a Board member and Secretary of the Alzheimer’s Project, Inc., a Tallahassee based non-profit organization dedicated to providing relief and respite for caregivers of persons suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or other memory impairments.

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BRADY J. BENFORD

With 15 years of experience in government relations, Brady Benford is a well-respected professional among his peers and legislators. He has advocated before the Legislative and Executive branches on a variety of high-profile issues such as casino gaming, pari-mutuel wagering, tobacco, alcohol, retail convenience stores, telecommunications and health care.

Brady has previously served as the Governmental Affairs Director for two of Florida’s major law firms. During that time, he represented a wide array of clients, including several Fortune 500 companies before the Legislature, Cabinet, Executive Agencies and other governmental entities. He also managed the firm’s regulated industries practice and advised clients on extensive legislative and executive issues, as well as campaign participation strategy on numerous statewide and local efforts.

Brady also previously served as the President of Benford and Associates, where he was the principal lobbyist at the firm and managed multiple clients and associations. He has also worked for the Republican Party of Florida, Senate and House campaigns and managed the absentee ballot program in the Central Florida area during the 2000 presidential election.

Brady received his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Florida State University.

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BRAD BURLESON

Brad has represented clients statewide, ranging from professional associations and private businesses to multi-national corporations before the Florida legislative and executive branches of government. Brad’s experience includes, but is not limited to, advocacy related to transportation and infrastructure funding and policy, helping IT companies and emerging technologies navigate Florida’s regulatory framework, and assisting businesses on tax policy and economic development matters. Additionally, Brad has experience assisting clients in obtaining federal and state appropriations and grants.

Prior to joining Ballard Partners, Brad practiced law with a primary focus on transportation and construction litigation. His position included the representation of highway contractors in disputes and negotiations with the Florida Department of Transportation and local airport authorities, as well as arbitration disputes over the construction of public landfills and various other commercial issues. Additionally, as part of his law practice, Brad regularly drafted and revised transportation-related legislation and agency specifications.

Brad previously served as a legislative correspondent for U.S. Senator Richard Shelby. He received his Juris Doctorate from Washington and Lee University School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Vanderbilt University.

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CHRIS HANSEN

Chris’ professional background is rooted in over two decades of legislative and political experience in Florida. He gained valuable insight as a legislative analyst in the Florida House of Representative and served as executive director of one of Florida’s largest political action committees where he excelled at campaign fundraising, strategy development and membership growth.

Chris has represented clients statewide, ranging from professional associations, and non-profit organizations to multi-national corporations before the Florida legislative and executive branches of government. Areas of policy expertise include Aerospace and Defense Contracting, Business and Professional Regulation, Criminal Justice, Heath Care, Pari-mutuel Wagering, Telecommunications, Tort Reform, and Utility Regulation. In addition to his extensive legislative and campaign experience, Chris has played a significant role in his community by serving as a board member of the Children’s Home Society, a statewide organization providing programs and services to strengthen families and protect children. Chris is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in both economics and political science.

Chris and his wife, Laura, have two grown children and live in Tallahassee.

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JOHN JOHNSTON

John worked for 27 years with the Florida Legislature including serving in senior staff leadership roles in the Appropriations and Transportation Committees with the House of Representatives. Prior to joining Ballard Partners, he operated a Tallahassee-based governmental consulting firm established in October 2000. During his tenure, John has developed extensive relationships with leadership in both parties in the Legislature, as well as in the Cabinet and executive offices of the State. He is considered one of the foremost authorities on transportation funding and the development of transportation policy in Florida.

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MONICA RODRIGUEZ

Monica L. Rodriguez has almost two decades of legislative experience at the state and federal levels representing clients in industries such as health care and insurance, as well as non-profit entities, and local governments. In 2008 she was selected as one of Florida Trend Magazine’s Legal Elites. Prior to joining Ballard Partners, she was a Shareholder at a large national law firm, and served as a legislative aide to former House Speaker and current U.S. Senator Marco Rubio. Monica previously served on the statewide steering committee and as the Miami Dade County Co-Chair for Newt Gingrich for President. She was an officer for the Republican Party of Dade County and was the National committeewoman from Florida for the Republican National Hispanic Assembly. While a delegate to the 2000 Republican National Convention, she was selected to place Dick Cheney’s name into nomination as Vice President.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Monica currently serves on the Board of the Children’s Home Society’s North Central division. Her previous civic activities have included serving on the Board of the United Way’s “Power of the Purse” campaign and the Board of Kristi House in Miami.

Monica earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Science in Education and Juris Doctorate degree, Cum Laude, from the University of Miami.

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WANSLEY WALTERS

Wansley Walters is the former Secretary for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. As a nationally recognized leader in the field of juvenile justice and a long standing child advocate, she pioneered the reform of the largest comprehensive juvenile justice system in the country in the administration of Governor Rick Scott. Under her leadership, the agency implemented strategies that have reduced the juvenile crime statewide and the number of children in detention and residential care as well as expanding civil citations for first time misdemeanors statewide. She finished her tenure with the 2014 Florida Legislature unanimously passing legislation that ensures the continuation of the reforms.

Wansley was previously the Director of the Miami-Dade County Juvenile Services Department, which included the operation of the largest Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) in Florida. The center was the focal point for a 10 year National Demonstration Project with the U.S. Department of Justice on juvenile justice reform that was showcased in a 2009 White House Summit in Miami. She served as the Special Assistant to two Directors of the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Wansley served for seven years as the Chair of the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet under Governor Scott. In November 2012 she was one of eight recipients of the 2012 Juvenile Justice Without Borders International Award presented by the International Juvenile Justice Observatory (IJJO) during the International Youth Justice Convention in London. The IJJO grants the award once every two years to individuals and organizations for outstanding achievements in juvenile justice research, advocacy and intervention under the auspices of the United Nations.

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BOB BURLESON

Bob joined Ballard Partners on January 1, 2019, following his retirement as President of the Florida Transportation Builders’ Association. He spent thirty years leading the state’s premier transportation construction industry association and is known throughout Florida and in Washington for his expertise and tenacious advocacy at both the state and federal level. Under Bob’s leadership FTBA achieved countless legislative victories over the last three decades, from securing the largest funding increase for transportation in Florida history to protecting the state’s transportation trust fund.

Bob was recognized with numerous transportation industry awards throughout his tenure at FTBA, most notably being named to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association’s (ARTBA) Hall of Fame.  He was also honored with the Nello Teer award by ARTBA for his outstanding contributions to the industry. In 2008, he received the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) Transportation Achievement award.

A native of Tennessee, Bob grew up in the construction industry.  Prior to joining FTBA, Bob was an executive with a major southeastern highway and heavy construction firm until its sale in the late 1980’s. He participated in the construction of many major projects throughout the Southeast.  Bob is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Building Construction. He resides in Tallahassee with his wife, Beverly, and enjoys spending time with their three sons and six grandchildren.

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CHRISTY DALY BRODEUR

Christy Daly Brodeur has two decades of experience working with the Florida Legislature and Executive Branch on public policy for children and families. Most recently she served as Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice where she played an integral role in the development and implementation of data-driven reform in the largest, most comprehensive, juvenile justice system in the country. The success of Florida’s reforms is evidenced by the dramatic drop in all major categories of crime during her tenure, leading to the lowest level of juvenile delinquency in more than 40 years. She has also contributed to the national movement of juvenile justice reform and is seen as a national leader in her field.

Christy is a passionate advocate for children and families and a known collaborator. She has successfully partnered with many stakeholder groups, such as law enforcement, the judiciary, and child welfare and is known to manage challenging issues and competing priorities.

Prior to becoming Secretary, Christy held numerous leadership positions at the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services. She has worked nationally with the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform at Georgetown University, the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators.

Christy currently serves on the board of directors for Goodwill Industries-Big Bend and Inspire of Central Florida, a non-profit organization that provides employment opportunities and life skills training for adults with developmental disabilities. She also serves on the Florida Commission on Community Service and is an active board member for the Florida Gubernatorial Fellows program.

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ABBY VAIL

With over 15 years of government affairs experience, Abby L. Vail is a seasoned advocate providing political, strategic and policy direction to clients before the Legislative and Executive branches of government.  Her portfolio is focused on representing clients in all aspects of the financial services industry including insurance, banking, consumer finance, securities, and fintech. Abby most recently served as Chief of Staff of the Florida Office of Financial Regulation where she played a key role in the passage and development of the Financial Technology Regulatory Sandbox and served as the Office’s representative in the American Consumer Financial Innovation Network (ACFIN).

Abby previously served as a Vice President of External Affairs for an international health care company leading government affairs, procurement, business development and political grassroots activities.  She also served as Senior Cabinet Aide to Former Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, advising the CFO on oversight of Cabinet agency policies and initiatives.  Abby began her career at the Office of Insurance Regulation, leading the agency’s policy agenda during a period of major property & casualty insurance reform following the 2004-2005 hurricane seasons.

Originally from Tampa, Abby graduated with a Bachelors in Communications, Master of Business Administration, and Juris Doctorate from Florida State University. She resides in Tallahassee with her husband, Jason, and two children.

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ADRIAN LUKIS

Adrian has spent his career working at the highest levels of government in Florida and advising candidates for local, state, and federal office.

Prior to joining Ballard Partners, Adrian served as Chief of Staff to Governor Ron DeSantis. In that role, under the Governor’s leadership, Adrian managed the Executive Office of the Governor and oversaw all executive branch agencies. During his tenure as Chief of Staff, Adrian helped the Governor navigate the tragic Surfside building collapse in June of 2021 and the surge of the COVID-19 Delta variant. Adrian also successfully spearheaded key Governor priorities in gaming, the environment, education and health care.

Adrian entered the DeSantis Administration as Deputy Chief of Staff, where he oversaw the following state entities and executive agencies: the Agency for Health Care Administration; the Department of Health; the Division of Emergency Management; the Department of Environmental Protection; the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission; the Department of Business and Professional Regulation; the Department of Economic Opportunity; Enterprise Florida; VISIT Florida; the Florida Housing Finance Corporation; and Department of Management Services.

Adrian began his professional career as a business law attorney focusing on mergers and acquisitions before pursuing his passion for government policy and politics, which, before joining Governor DeSantis, included roles as an attorney and Deputy Staff Director for the Florida House of Representatives, Deputy Director of Agenda Development for the Republican Party of Florida and Senior Advisor to Speaker of the Florida House Jose Oliva.

Adrian received his Bachelor’s in Arts from Florida State University and Juris Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law, where he remains involved in student recruitment and mentoring.

Adrian grew up in Miami, Florida, and now resides in Tallahassee, with his wife, Ashley, and his two children, Elle and Lane.

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COURTNEY COPPOLA

Courtney has spent her career implementing new government programs, managing emergent priorities, and providing guidance and policy direction to executives at the highest levels of government.

Prior to joining Ballard Partners, Courtney served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Ron DeSantis. Under the Governor’s leadership, Courtney oversaw the following agencies, offices, and initiatives: the Department of Health; the Agency for Health Care Administration; the Department of Children and Families; the Division of Emergency Management; the Department of Military Affairs; the Department of Elder Affairs; the Agency for Persons with Disabilities; the Department of Veterans Affairs; the Guardian ad Litem program; and the Office of Adoption and Child Protection.

Courtney previously served as the Chief of Staff at the Department of Health. In her role she directed day-to-day operations and planning for the department and county health departments statewide, and directly supervised the Offices of Communications, Legislative Planning, and Executive Appointments. Courtney also led the department’s actions as part of Florida’s Unified Command Executive Team in response to COVID-19.

Prior to her appointment as Chief of Staff, Courtney served as the Director of Florida’s medical marijuana program. Courtney joined the Office of Medical Marijuana Use in its infancy and quickly rose through the ranks taking the helm as director in 2018. During her tenure, the Office licensed Florida’s first regulated marijuana companies, registered more than half a million patients and enrolled thousands of certifying physicians quickly transforming Florida into one of the largest marijuana markets in the country.

Courtney began her career in state government at the Executive Office of the Governor under Governor Rick Scott in the Office of Fiscal Accountability and Regulatory Reform where she served as the policy analyst and was responsible for reviewing executive agency regulations to determine whether they adversely impacted job creation, imposed burdensome regulations or costs on businesses, or unreasonably restricted the ability of individual citizens to find employment.

Originally from Destin, Courtney earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, and Master of Science in Applied American Politics and Policy from Florida State University. She also serves on the Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Alumni Board and remains involved in recruitment and mentoring for the program.

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MIKE ABRAMS

Mike served in the Florida House of Representatives for 12 years representing the North Miami Beach/Aventura area. During his tenure in the legislature, he served as chair of the House Health Care Committee and House Health & Rehabilitative Services Subcommittee on Appropriations where he acquired immense knowledge of the appropriations process. As one of few people to serve four straight years as chair of the House Finance & Taxation Committee, Mike has vast experience related to the effect of state tax policy on private companies, healthcare, transportation and public education.

After retiring from the legislature, Mike returned to Miami and began a career in the private sector, advocating for a number of Florida clients before federal, state, county, and city government officials. Prior to joining Ballard Partners, Mike co-chaired the Government Affairs & Public Policy Practice at a large national law firm and investment banker. His client base includes businesses, not-for-profits, municipalities, counties and healthcare entities, specifically as it relates to appropriations at the state and federal levels. Currently he is a member of the University of Miami Board of Trustees and frequent op-ed contributor to the Miami Herald.

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JOSE FELIX DIAZ

As an attorney, advisor, and four-term elected official, Jose Felix has consistently been recognized as one of the rising stars in government affairs over the past decade.  In 2010, Jose was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, where he served for seven years.  Jose ascended quickly to the leadership ranks of the legislature, where he chaired the Energy & Utilities, Regulatory Affairs, and Commerce committees.

 Known for his fundraising prowess and sharp political instincts, Jose was recruited to serve on the Republican State Leadership Committee’s Future Majority Project Board, to help recruit and retain minority candidates throughout the United States. He also served as Chairman of the Legislative Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission.

 During his legislative tenure, Jose was elected as chair of the Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation, where he led his colleagues during a period of sustained and successful bipartisanship.  A Columbia Law School graduate, Jose has significant international, federal, state, and local government affairs experience and legal acumen.  Early in his law career, Jose gained a reputation for being a tenacious advocate for clients in contract procurement, international law, public private partnerships, complex legal, and land use and zoning matters.

 Jose has been recognized as one of the “Top 100” Lobbyists in America by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics and as one of the “South Florida Power 100” by City & State Magazine, among other awards.

 Jose serves on the Board of Directors of multiple organizations, including the National Recreation and Park Association, the Orange Bowl Committee, the Bakehouse Arts Complex, and the Millennial Action Project.  He is also currently the Chairman of the Zoo Miami Foundation.

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TONY E. CRAPP, JR.

Tony brings years of experience in local government operations and public policy matters to the Ballard Partners team. Well-respected in the Miami-Dade community, he currently serves as a managing partner at PC & Associates of South Florida, a multifaceted consulting firm that specializes in governmental affairs, business development, strategic communications, public relations and marketing. He continues his work with PC & Associates of South Florida in addition to his role with Ballard Partners. Prior to his position at PC & Associates of South Florida, Tony worked for one of Florida’s largest law firms on governmental and public policy issues.

Before transitioning to the private sector, Tony spent 15 years working in various high-level capacities for the City of Miami, which is the second largest city in Florida. In 2010, he was appointed by Mayor Tomas Regalado to serve as City Manager for the City of Miami, having also served as Deputy City Manager. Tony has held several senior level positions including assistant City Manager where he oversaw the Public Facilities Department, Community Development, Solid Waste, Parks Department and Grants Administration. His extensive local government portfolio includes serving as Chief of Staff for Mayor Tomas Regalado and in this capacity during the Mayor’s service as a city commissioner.

Tony has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for his leadership and service to the City of Miami including Florida International University’s Outstanding Alumni Award. He has also been recognized in Miami Today’s “Book of Leaders” and Black Enterprise Magazine. He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Florida International University.

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KATHERINE SAN PEDRO

Recognized as a rising star in Florida politics, Katherine San Pedro joined Ballard Partners in 2017 as the firm’s youngest Hispanic female Partner. Bringing extensive political, legislative and public relations experience to the team, Katherine most recently served as Regional Director of External & Legislative Affairs for AT&T Florida, where she managed the telecommunication giant’s legislative and community-based initiatives, new technology deployment and infrastructure investments in Miami Dade, Monroe, Lee and Collier Counties.

Prior to going to the private sector, she served as a senior legislative aide to both Florida House Speaker Pro Tempore Bryan Avila and Florida’s Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Núñez, and adds political campaign management of local, state and congressional races to her list of professional experience.

Named one of SaintPetersBlog’s 2014 “30 Under 30 Rising Stars in Florida Politics,” she holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami, and is actively engaged in her community having served on the Board of Directors for the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Actor’s Playhouse and WOW Center in Miami. In 2019, she was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Board of Directors for Enterprise Florida and Space Florida. Katherine is a born and raised Miami native where she still lives with her husband Brian Delburn and their infant twins.

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COURTNEY WHITNEY

Courtney has worked in politics at the federal, state and local level for 15 years. Recognized as Florida’s top democratic fundraiser, she has extensive experience working with Democratic Party leaders and elected officials from Miami to Washington.

Courtney began her career fundraising for Senator Bill Nelson’s 2006 re-election campaign. Most recently Courtney played an instrumental role in the successful campaign of Miami-Dade County’s new Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. She served as a senior advisor to Mayor Levine Cava’s campaign, and managed the campaign’s finance operation. She also led the fundraising for Commissioner Eileen Higgins’ successful Miami-Dade County Commission race.

Courtney was a consultant for Priorities USA Action, the super PAC supporting President-Elect Joe Biden. She also worked for Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign as Clinton’s Deputy finance director for Florida. Courtney served the Democratic National Committee as finance consultant in 2014-2016, raising funds for the Democratic National Committee from Florida donors through events with President Obama, Secretary Clinton, and Vice President Biden. She has also served as the Finance Director for a number of Democratic candidates, including Debbie Wasserman Schultz from 2011 – 2017.

Courtney moved from Illinois to Miami to attend the University of Miami, graduating in 2005. She lives in Miami with her husband and their one-year-old son.

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DON PAYTON

Don Payton brings nearly 40 years of experience in the public policy arena, primarily focused in the education field. Don’s expertise in all areas of education policy and appropriations is of significant benefit to Ballard Partners’ education clients. Since 2003, he has garnered more than $200 million in operational and facility funding for his clients.

Payton was director of governmental relations at Seminole State College for nearly 12 years before retiring in December 2014. In that role, Payton developed and oversaw the implementation of the college’s governmental relations program at the local, state and federal levels. During his time at Seminole State College, Payton obtained funding for the construction of two new campuses and significant renovations to other facilities. He cultivated strong relationships with key legislators in the budget process and secured increases in state operating funding.

Don is the recipient of the national Edwin Crawford Award for Innovation in lobbying at the state level. He is also the recipient of several awards from the Association of Florida Colleges. He has chaired the Association’s Legislative Committee and served on its Board of Directors. Additionally, Don has served as a member of the Council of Local Governments of Seminole County, Envision Seminole’s Public Policy Committee and Leadership Seminole’s Executive Committee.

Don received his Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University and earned his Master of Arts degree in Political Studies from the University of Illinois. He has taught state government as an Adjunct Instructor of Political Studies at the University of Illinois. He has also trained new lobbyists and made numerous presentations at various lobbying and educational policy seminars. Don assisted with the editing of “Lobbying Illinois: How You Can Make a Difference in Public Policy,” and is a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society.

Don and his wife Chris have five grown children and live in Oviedo.

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ANA CRUZ

Ana Currently manages Ballard Partners’ Tampa Bay practice. She brings over 20 years of experience in lobbying, strategic communications, strategic partnerships, media relations, crisis management, grassroots coalition building and political consulting. During her career, Ana has represented a wide array of clients throughout Central Florida in both the private and public sectors and has successfully advocated for several high profile national and Florida-based clients in development, civil engineering and infrastructure, food and beverage and technology industries.

Prior to entering into the lobbying sector, Ana worked in the Florida House and U.S. Senate, served as the Executive Director of the Florida Democratic Party, served as Hillary Clinton’s 2008 and 2016 Florida campaign spokesperson and advisor, and has successfully run numerous judicial, local and state legislative races. She recently served on the DNC’s Convention Platform Committee as a representative for Joe Biden.

Ana was twice named Florida’s Top 100 Most Influential by Florida Politics Magazine, she serves on the Board of The Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Board, the Athena Society, the 51st Superbowl Committee and is an active mentor to Hispanic Youth. She and her partner, Jane are Tampa natives and have two college aged children. They are avid art collectors and enjoy fishing, cooking, traveling and spending time with their family.

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JAN GORRIE

Prior to joining the Firm, Jan has spent more than 20 years advancing her extensive government affairs career while lobbying the Florida Legislature and Executive Branch on behalf of numerous clients. With an expertise in health care law, Jan has represented various divisions of Florida’s hospital system as well as the state’s Colleges of Medicine. Jan’s contribution to the state’s health care public policy and Medicaid reimbursement laws has increased Floridians’ access to medical services and improved compensation rates for physicians and hospitals. Jan has also worked within the private sector with major insurance companies, several economic development organizations, transportation interests, and most recently the designation and funding for the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

As one of the state’s leading transactional and administrative health care lawyers, Jan is routinely asked to testify before the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration and Florida Department of Health where her expertise is sought on reimbursement, licensure, and provider application matters. Jan is also a member of The Florida Bar as well as the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Jan is a graduate of Duke University (BS Biology), University of South Florida (MPH), and Stetson College of Law (JD).

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TODD JOSKO

Todd Josko brings to Ballard Partners over 20 years of experience in state and municipal government relations, public affairs, strategic communications and political strategies.

As founder and president of a Tampa-based public affairs firm that he led for 15 years, Todd has helped Fortune 500 companies and trade associations successfully resolve governmental and regulatory challenges, particularly on issues affecting growth, transportation, economic development and water quality.

Todd formally held a senior level position with an international strategic communications firm and has advised many national, state and local Republican candidates. He served as the Florida West Coast Field Director for Jeb Bush’s successful 1998 gubernatorial campaign, Florida West Coast Field Director for Bob Dole’s 1996 presidential run, and as a legislative assistant within the Florida House of Representatives.

Todd holds a Master of Science degree in Political Science from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Florida.

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BRIDGET NOCCO

Known nationally as a top-tier Republican fundraiser, Bridget has worked alongside Florida’s leading candidates and elected officials in the legislative and executive branches and now directs Ballard Partners’ fundraising initiatives.

Prior to joining the firm’s team, Bridget worked with the Republican Party of Florida to help spearhead fundraising efforts for Governor Rick Scott and former Attorney General Bill McCollum. Throughout her career, Bridget has successfully led dozens of successful fundraising operations to help secure election victories for numerous lawmakers, including former House Speaker Tom Feeney.

In addition to her campaign fundraising background, Bridget’s earlier professional experience involved key roles with the Florida legislature including serving as a senior aide to House Speaker Feeney. Later, Bridget continued to work with House leadership as top fundraiser for former House Speaker and current U.S. Senator Marco Rubio.

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AMY J. YOUNG

Amy joined Ballard Partners in September, 2000 and is the Managing Partner of the West Palm Beach office. Amy began her career as a legislative intern in Governor Bob Graham’s office. She subsequently served as a legislative aide for The House Republican leader as well as an aide to the first Hispanic legislator elected in Florida. She later joined the private sector as political affairs coordinator for one of the largest trade associations in the state of Florida. Two years later, she was recruited to join a national law firm.

Young has been recognized as an Outstanding Young Woman of America, member of the National Honorary Tutor Society and Strathmore’s who’s who in America. She has been awarded numerous honors from her clients and was voted one of the top five female lobbyists in Florida by her colleagues.

Young served a two year term as the governmental affairs chairman for the Florida Society of Association Executives and has also served on the board of the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services, Armory Arts Center Operation Art, The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and currently serves as a member Emeritus on the Arc of Palm Beach Board of Directors, Board of Directors for the Potentia Academy of Palm Beach and is a member of the Bizpac Executive Committee and a Bizpac Trustee.

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MATHEW FORREST

Mat began his career in governmental affairs in the West Palm Beach Mayor’s Office serving in three different administrations. For a decade, Mat was submersed in local government operations, community affairs, public information, project management, and the production of festivals and events. He joined Ballard Partners in 2007 and works with clients in a variety of fields including local governments, gaming, arts & culture, tourism and transportation. He resides in West Palm Beach with his wife, Jillian, and three young children. Personally Mat is an avid traveler, outdoor enthusiast, and endurance athlete. He is very involved in a variety of local and national philanthropies including Pi Kappa Alpha and the Boy Scouts of America.

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JEFF ATWATER

As a former banking executive, legislative leader, and statewide elected official, Jeff Atwater had a direct and lasting impact on Florida’s financial, regulatory and business landscape.

After serving two years in the Florida State House, and eight in the State Senate (the final two as President), Jeff was twice elected statewide as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Treasurer, a Cabinet level position which impacted all public policy.

Jeff brings this experience to Ballard Partners, chairing the firm’s Financial Services Industry Practice to help clients weather the constantly changing currents in the insurance, banking and securities industries.

As Florida’s CFO Jeff focused on creating a viable and attractive market in the Sunshine State for new capital investments throughout the insurance industry from windstorm, property, and auto, to workers compensation, health and life insurance.

Florida, with the fifth largest public pension investment portfolio in the country, is frequently recognized for outstanding management and investment returns. As Treasurer and Trustee of the Florida Retirement System, Jeff worked closely with the State Board of Administration on portfolio allocation policy and review of investment managers.

He also helped moved Florida from the bottom quartile into America’s top three states for fiscal transparency by implementing a new financial ERP system with new performance metrics for companies seeking to obtain state contracts and grants.

Prior to elected office, Jeff served as President and CEO of the Barnett Bank of Broward County and President of Bank of America of Broward County. Most recently he served as CFO and V.P. of Strategic Initiatives for Florida Atlantic University.

Jeff, a fifth generation Floridian, holds an undergraduate degree in Finance, and an MBA, from the University of Florida. Jeff and his wife Carole have four children and reside in Palm Beach County.

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PAM BONDI

Pam Bondi, elected twice to serve as Florida’s Attorney General from 2011 – 2019, chairs the firm’s Corporate Regulatory Compliance practice. This national practice area focuses on serving Fortune 500 companies to implement best practices that proactively address public policy challenges such as human trafficking, opioid abuse and personal data privacy. As chair of the Corporate Regulatory Compliance practice, Pam works with clients to design and implement publicly conscious initiatives that will elevate their corporate responsibility reputation as well as address their critical regulatory challenges.

Bondi was one of Florida’s most accomplished Attorneys General and earned a reputation among her colleagues as one of the toughest law enforcement officials in the country.  During her tenure as Attorney General of Florida, Bondi undertook dozens of major state and national initiatives, including filing the most comprehensive state litigation regarding the national opioid crisis. She played a leading role in achieving the National Mortgage Settlement that ultimately resulted in $56 billion in total relief nationally. In a tremendous victory for Florida, Bondi sued BP and other responsible parties in the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill case and settled for more than $2 billion in economic relief for Florida alone.

Since 2011, Bondi worked aggressively to shut down pill mills, combat opioid abuse, ban synthetic drugs, end human trafficking, test previously unprocessed sexual assault kits, develop a school safety app to prevent school shootings, recover more than $1 billion in consumer protection, antitrust, and false claims matters (not counting the National Mortgage Settlement and BP), obtain more than $870 million in settlements and judgments through the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, supervise the prosecution of hundreds of multi-judicial circuit criminal cases, defend Florida’s laws and constitution, and guard against federal overreach.

She has served on numerous boards, including: President’s Commission on Combatting Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis; Chair, Florida Statewide Council on Human Trafficking; Co-chair of the Substance Abuse Committee for the National Association of Attorneys General; and the Florida Constitutional Revision Commission.

Pam has also received numerous awards and accolades, including: the 2017 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Award for Excellence in Fighting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse; the

2018 Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association Furtherance of Justice Award; 2018 Drug Free America Lifetime Achievement Award; 2013 Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida Champion of Independent Education in Florida; and the 2012 National Association of Attorneys General President’s Award.

Bondi is a fourth-generation Floridian who spent more than 18 years as a prosecutor, trying cases ranging from domestic violence to capital murder. With her successful first-time run for office in 2010, Bondi became the first female Attorney General in Florida’s history.

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TOLA THOMPSON

Tola is a seasoned governmental relations professional with over 18 years of experience at the state and federal levels.  A 14-year veteran of Capitol Hill, Tola most recently served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a member of the House Financial Services Committee.

Over the years, Tola has developed relationships with key members of Leadership and members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the New Democrat Coalition.  In addition to his service with Rep. Lawson, Thompson also worked for ten years with former US Rep. Carrie Meek, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, where he managed a broad legislative portfolio that included telecommunications, education, labor, health, and agricultural appropriations.

Tola previously served as Assistant Vice President and Director of Governmental Relations at Florida A&M University where he worked across almost every facet of government to develop and ensure execution of the university’s legislative agenda. He has also worked to successfully pass new legislation to provide high quality educational options for low-income K-12 students in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Louisiana, and Florida.  He received his bachelor’s in journalism from Florida A & M University.

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JORDAN ELSBURY

Jordan got his start in Louisiana politics during the 2014 election cycle. While working for The Republican Party of Louisiana, he served as a Regional Political Director, delivering countless wins in federal, state, and local elections. After a triumphant victory working with the Bill Cassidy for US Senate team, Jordan migrated to Jacksonville to serve as Campaign Coordinator for Lenny Curry in the 2015 Mayoral election. Serving as an aid to the candidate, as well as assisting with the campaign’s ground game operation, Jordan helped to secure victory in one of the most landmark elections in Jacksonville’s history.

Following the campaign, Jordan accepted the position of Director of Appointments in Mayor Lenny Curry’s administration. As director, Jordan was integral in the reshaping of the City’s Boards and Commissions, processing the appointments of Jacksonville’s most prestigious citizens and working with the City Council to achieve Mayor Curry’s vision. Shortly after his term as director, he was promoted within the administration to lead the Mayor’s Intergovernmental Affairs team, overseeing the City of Jacksonville’s legislative agenda at the local, state, and federal levels of government. In 2020, Mayor Curry named Jordan Chief of Staff for the City of Jacksonville. As Chief of Staff, Jordan led the administration through the surge of the COVID-19 Pandemic and secured successful passage of one of the largest infrastructure programs in city history. Jordan also spearheaded other policy and legislative victories for Mayor Curry including over a billion dollars of economic development projects.

Jordan received his Bachelor of Arts from Southeastern Louisiana University, he is an Eagle Scout, a member of the Theta Xi Fraternity, and serves on both the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. In 2016, Jordan was named one of Florida Politics’ 30 under 30 Political Rising Stars. He and his wife Stephanie have three beautiful daughters, Kennedy Grace, Molly Marie, and Charlie Elizabeth.

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KATIE B. KARDELL

Katie B. Kardell serves as Director of Media for Ballard Partners.

Prior to joining Ballard Partners, she served on the external affairs team at the George W. Bush Presidential Center as a communications manager, where she focused on social media, media relations, marketing and advertising, and community relations. During her time at the Bush Center, Katie also oversaw communications for the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program.

Originally from Tallahassee, Katie graduated with a Bachelors in Journalism and a Master’s in Advertising from Southern Methodist University. She resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband and daughter. 

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DANE EAGLE

Dane Eagle established himself as a fixture in Florida politics at a relatively young age and boasts nearly two decades of extensive experience in the executive and legislative branches.

Prior to joining Ballard Partners, Dane was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as Florida’s Secretary of Economic Opportunity, where he assisted the Governor in advancing Florida’s economy by championing the state’s economic development vision and by administering state and federal programs and initiatives to help citizens, businesses, communities, and visitors thrive.

Previously, Dane represented parts of Southwest Florida in the Florida House of Representatives from 2012 to 2020 and rose to the rank of Majority Leader, where he was responsible for leading the Republican Caucus and ushering legislation to the Governor’s desk. Dane focused on supporting Florida’s families and small businesses by reducing taxes and regulations to further establish Florida’s business-friendly environment and further diversify Florida’s economy. During his tenure in the House, Dane also served as the Majority Whip and the Chairman of the Energy and Utilities Subcommittee.

Before being elected to the Florida House of Representatives, Dane served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the Governor from 2008 to 2009 and as Chief Special Assistant to the Governor from 2007 to 2008. He has also worked on several statewide campaigns.

In the private sector, Dane has over two decade’s experience in real estate, most recently as a commercial real estate broker providing investment strategy, consulting, and sales and leasing services in the Southwest Florida market. Dane was born and raised in Southwest Florida and earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Business Administration at the University of Florida.

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