Ana Cruz, Managing Director Tampa, Ballard Partners

In an interview with Invest:, Ana Cruz, managing director of Ballard Partners in Tampa, discussed the firm’s dynamic local and global growth. She highlighted transformative projects like the Selmon Extension and emphasized Tampa Bay’s advancements in defense, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery, underscoring innovation and resilience as key drivers of the region’s success.

Ballard Partners has seen remarkable growth recently. What are some key milestones for your team, both locally and globally?

As a leading governmental affairs firm in Florida, we’ve expanded our footprint nationally and globally. One of our key achievements lies in securing significant state and federal appropriations for our clients in both public and private sectors. For example, here in the Tampa Bay area, we secured $1.5 million in state appropriations for the Lions World Vision Institute and over $1.5 million for the Hillsborough County Veterans Resource Center.

Beyond the state, we’ve opened offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Chicago, Boston, and internationally in Istanbul, Israel, and now in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. Globally, we’ve launched the Ballard Global Alliance, forming partnerships with PR and strategy firms in Japan, London, Korea, and Latin America. This alliance enables us to provide top-tier government relations and public affairs services across international markets.

By combining our bipartisan team here in the United States, anchored by our Florida and Washington, D.C., practices, with the expertise of these global partners, we’re equipping our clients to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and achieve their objectives on a global scale.

What recent successes stand out for Ballard Partners in the region?

Over the past year, Ballard Partners has marked some major milestones in the Tampa Bay region. We’ve planted our flag in the heart of Water Street — Tampa’s most ambitious and transformative development — by moving into the 1001 Water Street building. What was once a sea of surface parking lots is now a thriving epicenter of innovation and urban living, anchored by institutions like the USF Medical School, the Edition Hotel, and a vibrant mix of retail and restaurants. It’s not just a shift in the skyline — it’s a shift in identity, changing who works, lives, learns, and plays in downtown Tampa.

As I approach a decade leading Ballard’s Tampa Bay practice, I’m incredibly proud of the role we’ve played in helping shape the region’s growth and momentum. I’m equally proud of the clients we represent and the once-in-a-generation projects we’ve helped bring to life. One example is our work on the Selmon Extension, part of the Selmon Expressway, a 1.9-mile elevated toll road over Gandy Boulevard. This project progressed from a visionary concept to a reality, now connecting Brandon to the beaches without a single stoplight. It has fundamentally changed how people travel across the Tampa Bay area. It was truly rewarding to see it through from concept to groundbreaking to completion.

At Ballard Partners, we are relentless in our pursuit of results. Our clients are innovators and disruptors, and we match that energy with strategic precision and hard-earned relationships across all levels of government and business. We don’t just advocate—we open doors, build coalitions, and get things done. Another great example is our work with Infrastructure Rehabilitation USA, which just launched its first Tampa Bay Area project in Pinellas Park. Their pioneering technology — CIP Liners that repair and reinforce vertical sewer lines and lift stations — is changing the game for local governments. And we made sure their solution was on the radar of key decision-makers.

What we are is a powerhouse lobbying firm—with offices in Washington D.C., Tallahassee, Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Jacksonville, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Lagos, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — and an unmatched track record. Our team has secured record-breaking appropriations, championed critical infrastructure, and positioned our clients at the heart of their community’s growth.

The results speak for themselves. We don’t just navigate government — we lead within it.

What makes Tampa Bay such a great place for growth, and why is it an ideal location for your firm?

Tampa Bay’s economic growth has been remarkable, especially compared to other cities of similar size. While other regions have seen steady development, Tampa Bay has distinguished itself with a strategic focus on innovation, infrastructure, and talent attraction.

Our economic diversity spans industries like technology, healthcare, and tourism, which creates a strong foundation for resilient, long-term growth. Tampa also benefits from a collaborative public-private ecosystem and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. We have outstanding incubators that are nurturing some of the brightest minds and innovative solutions, raising significant capital, and winning awards.

Looking ahead, I’m confident Tampa Bay will maintain its upward trajectory. By attracting a diverse portfolio of businesses and remaining a safe, welcoming community, the region is poised for sustained growth.

How has Tampa Bay’s growth and industry landscape influenced your work in governmental affairs?

Tampa Bay is witnessing significant growth, particularly in the defense and cybersecurity sectors. Proximity to Special Operations Command and Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base has made the region a strategic hub for defense innovation and cyber resilience. New cybersecurity companies are emerging, revitalizing what was once a robust but dormant industry.

Another transformative trend is the rapid evolution of AI. AI is dominating legislative agendas, innovation discussions, and reshaping how industries operate. For example, AI is already aiding in climate modeling, energy efficiency, and disaster response. Following recent hurricanes, AI tools have been instrumental in mapping damage, analyzing hardest-hit areas, and improving resource deployment.

Looking ahead to 2025, AI’s role is expected to grow further, from hyper-personalized assistance to tools that make cities smarter. These advancements will undoubtedly enhance resilience and innovation across Tampa Bay and beyond.

After the 2024 hurricanes, what challenges did you face, and what lessons were learned to improve disaster resilience and recovery efforts?

In 2024, the biggest challenge, both personally and for the state, was facing back-to-back hurricanes. Personally, I lost my home, as did so many other Floridians. It was an incredibly humbling experience, and the devastation across Central Florida, coastal communities, and local businesses has been immense. Many mom-and-pop restaurants, already struggling to recover from COVID, couldn’t withstand the impact of these storms.

The strain has been physical, emotional, and financial for everyone, including first responders and municipal staff, many of whom we represent as a firm. Despite these hardships, the resilience of our community has been extraordinary.

While navigating my own recovery, I prioritized sharing information with others facing the same challenges — everything from filing FEMA reports to cataloging damaged items for insurance claims and accessing SBA disaster assistance loans. As a firm, Ballard Partners worked tirelessly to support clients in securing the resources needed for recovery and rebuilding.

This experience underscored the importance of community collaboration and strategic planning in disaster management. Technology, especially AI, can play a pivotal role here. From AI-driven mapping to assess damage and deploy resources, to predictive tools for better pre- and post-storm preparation, we’re seeing how innovation can support recovery. However, we must also focus on being responsible stewards of the environment. Sea-level rise and warming oceans intensify these storms, so it’s on us to advocate for policies that prioritize sustainability alongside resiliency.

What is the outlook for the firm in the coming years, and how do you see the lobbying and governmental affairs industry evolving in this region?

Ballard Partners is a bipartisan lobbying firm, originally founded in Tallahassee, with offices across Florida and beyond. As I mentioned earlier, we’ve expanded into cities like Washington, D.C., where we have a highly respected and effective federal practice led by Brian Ballard. His leadership has been instrumental in navigating complex, globally significant issues.

Under the Biden administration, we’ve accomplished a great deal federally, and with the new incoming administration, we’re positioned even better to serve both existing and new clients. The D.C. office remains incredibly busy, reflecting the leadership and expertise Brian and our partners bring to the table.

Looking to the future, I’m optimistic and honored to play a role in shaping it. To our regional and industry leaders, let’s continue to dream big and work together to make Tampa Bay a thriving place for everyone.