—
Founded in 1998 by Brian Ballard, Ballard Partners has experienced runaway growth since first expanding out of Florida in 2017. From opening overseas offices to forging alliances with international partners, it has grown to become one of the world’s leading public affairs firms.
A microcosm of Ballard Partners’ rapid growth is its Washington, DC, office. Over the last year, the firm’s home base in the nation’s capital has undergone numerous changes, from expanding its office space to adding new staff members. In early December, the latest change came in the form of the hiring of Tucker Knott.
Who Is Tucker Knott?
A Capitol Hill veteran, Knott joins the DC office as the firm’s newest partner. He comes to Ballard Partners after having most recently served as chief of staff to Senator Ted Budd. Having led the North Carolina lawmaker’s office for three years, he counseled the senator on issues affecting the business community while providing direction on legislative and congressional matters.
“[Knott]’s 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,” Senator Budd said. “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.”
Previously, Knott served as the chief staff to Representative George Holding from 2013 to 2019. Prior to becoming the chief of staff, he was Congressman Holding’s campaign manager over several election cycles. In the period between his tenures on Capitol Hill, he developed private-sector experience as a senior director at Pfizer.
“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,” Knott said. Brian Ballard added that Knott’s “established relationships in both the House and Senate will be invaluable to our clients navigating complex policy challenges.”
Rapid DC Growth
The Washington office has increasingly equipped itself over the past year to assist all manner of clients in achieving their policy goals. In January, it hired another longtime chief of staff, Tracie Pough, as a partner.
Pough came to Ballard Partners after an 18-year tenure as chief of staff to Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Known as a “chief’s chief,” she also directed
—
