Ballard Partners Strengthens Its Team with 3 New Hires

Founded by Brian Ballard, Ballard Partners has achieved runaway growth since 2017, the year it expanded out of Florida for the first time by opening an office in Washington, DC. That growth has only accelerated in 2025. Over the first 10 months of the year, Ballard Partners has opened new offices, brought in new staff members, and forged partnerships with international firms. 

As the country slows downs heading into the holiday season, Ballard Partners is showing no signs of letting up. In November, the firm announced the hiring of three new government relations consultants who will serve as partners in its Tallahassee and Washington, DC, offices. Here’s more information about each of these professionals and what they bring to the Brian Ballard–founded firm.

David Childs

David Childs has established a reputation as a go-to government relations consultant in Florida. Over two decades, clients such as Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the University of Florida Foundation have turned to him to identify business opportunities, secure appropriations, and influence key leaders.

With expertise in water, environmental, and energy policy, Childs has drafted and helped pass many significant bills, including SB 1228, which concerned spring restoration. Other bills he drafted have focused on water resource management, transmission line siting, and essential state infrastructure. He has accepted appointments from two Florida governors to the Florida Boating Advisory Council, and he maintains deep connections in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Along with his experience in government relations, Childs is an engineer and attorney. He recently earned distinction as one of the Best Lawyers in America for Environmental Law. In a press release, Childs said joining Ballard Partners is an “unparalleled opportunity” to continue to deliver results for clients. 

Andrew Liebert

Andrew Liebert is a veteran of Florida government, having spent a decade providing advice and counsel to members of the state House and Senate. He most recently served as chief legislative aide and senior advisor to Senate president Ben Albritton. Over five years in this role, he advanced the senator’s legislative goals while helping to procure hundreds of millions of dollars in appropriations.

Liebert previously held a similar role for Debbie Mayfield during the now–Senate majority leader’s time in the House. His background in Florida government has also seen him carry out responsibilities as deputy director of legislative affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Human Services.

Liebert most recently brought his legislative experience and connections to another public affairs firm, which he had joined as a director in 2023. Now a partner at Ballard Partners, he is excited to “continue serving clients across Florida and beyond.” 

Eileen Stuart 

Eileen Stuart brings to Ballard Partners experience across the public and private sectors. As a deputy policy director for the Florida governor, she managed matters related to policy and appropriations at state agencies. A longtime resident of Florida, she holds a juris doctor from Florida State University College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Florida.

Stuart’s background in Florida has also seen her leverage her public sector experience to serve as managing principal of a boutique public affairs firm. Leading the company’s Florida office, she drew on her relationships across the state to help clients achieve their goals. Now at Ballard Partners, she is “look[ing] forward to helping clients navigate complex policy challenges across every level of government.”

Stuart was previously the vice president of government and regulatory affairs for Mosaic, a leading manufacturer of mineral fertilizer. Through her work in public affairs, she is known as a respected resource in helping large companies secure appropriations and in enhancing and rehabilitating the reputations of corporations.

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