Our Team

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.