The leading Florida-based lobbying firm, Ballard Partners, proudly welcomes longtime Florida Transportation Builders Association (FTBA) President Bob Burleson as partner of its Tallahassee office following his retirement from FTBA.
Having spent thirty years leading the state’s premier transportation construction industry organization, Burleson has been a fixture at the Florida Capitol since 1989. With Burleson at the helm, 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. Previously, Burleson was an integral executive at the major southeast construction company, Wiley N. Jackson, Co., for nearly twenty years until its sale in 1987.
“Bob is known throughout Florida for his tenacious advocacy and strong relationships with legislators, state agencies and other key political players,” said Brian Ballard, president of Ballard Partners. “His many years successfully navigating the Florida legislative process, coupled with his unmatched expertise, leadership and dedication, make Bob a tremendous asset to the Ballard Partners team and our clients.”
“Retiring from the Florida Transportation Builders Association is bittersweet, but I am excited to take the next step in my government relations career at such a high-quality firm,” said Burleson. “I look forward to applying my passion for construction and transportation to Ballard Partners’ clients in this new endeavor and am grateful for the opportunity to continue strengthening transportation policy and overall economic growth in Florida.”
A native of Tennessee, Burleson grew up in the construction industry and went on to achieve numerous industry awards throughout his tenure at FTBA, most notably being named to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association’s (ARTBA) Hall of Fame as well as the FTBA Hall of Fame. Burleson was also honored with the Nello Teer award by ARTBA for his outstanding contributions to the industry. The Virginia Tech graduate resides in Tallahassee with his wife, Beverly, and enjoys spending time with their three sons and six grandchildren.
About Ballard Partners
Ballard Partners has been named by state and national publications as the leading government affairs firm in the Sunshine State. The Florida-based lobbying firm, with offices in Washington, D.C., Tallahassee, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa, combines extensive experience in government affairs with unwavering advocacy to maximize results for the clients they serve. Visit www.ballardpartners.com for more information.
