In 1998, Brian Ballard drew on the connections he had developed over years in Florida government and political circles to establish Ballard Partners. He has since guided the public affairs firm to dominance in the Sunshine State, opening eight offices where teams of highly experienced government relations consultants provide top-notch advocacy to some of the world’s leading organizations.
Brian Ballard has not been content, however, with dominance in Florida. Indeed, he has extended Ballard Partners’ reach across the Western Hemisphere. Beginning in 2017, when he established the firm’s first presence outside of Florida by opening an office in Washington, DC, Ballard Partners has expanded into other key Western Hemisphere markets, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston.
Ballard Partners recently strengthened its international presence in the Western Hemisphere further through the creation of the Western Hemisphere Affairs Practice Group. Launched in January 2026, the specialty division brings together government relations consultants with in-depth experience in regulatory affairs, diplomacy, international trade, energy, and critical minerals across the region. The group also includes a Venezuela Task Force through which clients receive assistance in navigating the evolving situation in the South American nation.
Eyes on Venezuela
Naturally, Venezuela has been a frequent topic of conversation recently on 13th & Park, Ballard Partners’ popular digital show. Since January, host Adam Goodman has welcomed several guests who have given their takes on the US involvement in Venezuela.
Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa shared her perspective as a decorated military veteran and explained to Goodman why she believes the Nicolas Maduro regime posed a threat to national security. Former national security advisor K.T. McFarland discussed how the US actions in Venezuela represent a fundamental shift in the global order, while Marc Caputo analyzed the situation through his lens as a political journalist.
Ballard Partners has been providing further analysis of developments in Venezuela through the Bi-Weekly Latin American Snapshot. The report provides up-to-date insights into the top economic and political trends shaping the Western Hemisphere.
As detailed in the Feb. 6 report, Venezuela’s National Assembly recently removed the oil industry from exclusive state control, opening it up to more foreign investment. Venezuela has also, following the US actions, exported liquefied petroleum gas for the first time, signaling a reopening of its industry.
Outside of the energy industry, the report notes that Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, has taken steps to improve relations with the United States, including by proposing a general amnesty law. Meanwhile, Rodriguez has indicated she will reopen a US diplomatic mission, which has been closed since 2019.
Latin American Connections
The Bi-Weekly Latin American Snapshot—which also contains analysis of developments in Costa Rica, Cuba, Colombia, Ecuador, and elsewhere in the region—is the product of a collaboration between Ballard Partners and Global Nexus. With offices in Mexico City and Washington, DC, Global Nexus advocates on behalf of and advises clients operating across the Americas.
Global Nexus began collaborating with Ballard Partners through the Ballard Global Alliance. Established in 2024, the Ballard Global Alliance is a pioneering network consisting of public affairs and government relations firms from around the world. Working together as strategic partners, the members of the alliance are able to provide seamless cross-border services to their clients.
The Ballard Global Alliance first launched with partners in Japan and the United Kingdom, but it has since added members from across the Western Hemisphere. TACT, a Canadian public affairs and communications firm joined in 2025, while Esfera of Brazil and the Cefeidas Group of Argentina combine with Global Nexus in enhancing the alliance’s presence in Central and South America.