Strategic communications to accelerate your business and shape your future.
Corporate Reputation
We build and defend your brand comprehensively, from strategic public relations campaigns to swift crisis communications.
Public Affairs
We advance your corporate reputation and policy objectives at the critical nexus of business and government.
Geopolitical Risk
We help you transform global uncertainty into strategic advantage.
How We Do It
We operate at the crucial junction of reputation management, policy influence, and business objectives.
For organizations navigating high-stakes environments—from technology leaders to public institutions—we transform complex challenges into strategic advantage. Our work shapes narratives, influences decision-makers, and protects reputations when they matter most. We don’t just manage communications. We create pathways that advance your most critical business and policy goals.
Our bottom line is simple: your company’s success is our success.
Meet The Team
Unparalleled expertise at your service
Matthew Ballard
Principal
Matthew Ballard is the Principal for Ballard Strategy Group, a strategic communications consultancy. Prior to establishing Ballard Strategy Group in 2024, Matthew spent nearly two decades working in both government and private sector in Washington, D.C. For the past eight years, Matthew has aided clients navigating the media and political landscapes around the world. Matthew has represented many Fortune 500 companies in front of the media and the governments of the U.S., U.K. and European Union.
Read more about Matthew
Matthew Ballard
Matthew Ballard is the Principal for Ballard Strategy Group, a strategic communications consultancy. Prior to establishing Ballard Strategy Group in 2024, Matthew spent nearly two decades working in both government and private sector in Washington, D.C.
Matthew’s government experience began in The White House Office of Political Affairs of the President George W. Bush administration and culminated as the Deputy Director of Communications for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security. In this role, Matthew served as a Committee spokesperson and led communications efforts on cybersecurity and national security issues, including the OPM hack in 2015. Matthew also served as the Communications Director for a Member of Congress from Indiana.
Following his government service, Matthew joined the private sector where he quickly established himself as a public relations and public affairs specialist focusing on corporate reputation, media relations, crisis communications and global affairs. For the past eight years, Matthew has aided clients navigating the media and political landscapes around the world. Matthew has represented many Fortune 500 companies in front of the media and the governments of the U.S., U.K. and European Union.
Taylor Thistlethwaite
Director, Client Services and Operations
Taylor Thistlethwaite joins Ballard Strategy Group as Director of Client Services and Operations, bringing a distinctive background that perfectly complements the firm’s strategic communications work. For over two decades, Taylor built Thistlethwaite Americana into a renowned name in the fine and decorative arts industry, where he cultivated relationships with discerning collectors, prestigious institutions, and high-net-worth individuals who value both expertise and discretion.
Read more about Taylor
Taylor Thistlethwaite
Taylor Thistlethwaite joins Ballard Strategy Group as Director of Client Services and Operations, bringing a distinctive background that perfectly complements the firm’s strategic communications work. For over two decades, Taylor built Thistlethwaite Americana into a renowned name in the fine and decorative arts industry, where he cultivated relationships with discerning collectors, prestigious institutions, and high-net-worth individuals who value both expertise and discretion.
Throughout his career, Taylor has demonstrated exceptional ability in managing sensitive client relationships, earning trust through honesty, deep knowledge, and impeccable reputation management. His sales to institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Colonial Williamsburg, and the Museum of Southern Decorative Arts, showcase his skill in navigating complex institutional dynamics. Taylor’s experience exhibiting at America’s finest antiques fairs—including the New York Winter Show, the Philadelphia Antique Show, and the Washington Winter Antique Show—honed his talent for strategic positioning and persuasive communication.
Taylor’s entrepreneurial experience operating a successful small business provides him with invaluable insights into client development, relationship building, and operational excellence. These skills translate seamlessly to crisis communications and strategic advisory work, where discretion, trust, and sophisticated relationship management are paramount. His proven ability to work with high-profile clients who prefer to remain out of the public eye demonstrates his understanding of privacy concerns and reputation management.
Featured in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Southern Living, The Magazine Antique, and Antiques and Fine Art Magazine, Taylor brings media savvy and an understanding of effective storytelling to Ballard Strategy Group. While continuing to advise select clients in the fine arts world, he now brings his passion for excellence and client service to developing BSG’s client relationships and operational capabilities.
Advisors
Heather Martin
Senior Advisor for Content
Heather Martin brings strategic vision and execution expertise as Senior Advisor for Content, with experience spanning from Los Angeles to New York, Europe to Taiwan. She develops content strategies for international enterprises and technology leaders across security, software, and infrastructure sectors.
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Heather Martin
Heather Martin brings strategic vision and execution expertise to her role as Senior Advisor for Content. With experience spanning from Los Angeles to New York, and Europe to Taiwan, Heather has established herself as a trusted advisor for global organizations seeking to enhance their messaging across complex markets.
Heather specializes in developing content strategies that align with business objectives for international enterprises, government entities, and technology leaders across security, software, and infrastructure sectors. Her approach bridges the critical gap between communications, policy considerations, and business development.
Drawing from her background as a business development professional on the East Coast, Heather has evolved her expertise to encompass high-stakes content development where precision and strategic positioning are paramount. She excels at navigating multiple stakeholder reviews and approval processes, ensuring messaging remains consistent while meeting the unique demands of diverse global audiences.
At the intersection of sales, branding, marketing, and public affairs, Heather helps organizations craft narratives that solve real-world problems while supporting revenue goals and broader business strategies. Her methodology centers on creating measurable outcomes through clear, creative content that speaks directly to key decision-makers.
Heather leads content initiatives that convert prospects to clients, spark meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, and enhance market reputation—all while maintaining the highest standards of quality and timeliness in delivery.
Anthony Estrada
Senior Advisor for Entertainment
Anthony “Tony” Estrada is a Los Angeles-based producer. A native of Southern California, and a third generation Latino, he has been working in the entertainment industry for the past ten years. Tony is the founder of the personal and entertainment development company, called Con Ganas, working with artists, athletes, and entrepreneurs.
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Anthony Estrada
Anthony “Tony” Estrada is a Los Angeles-based producer. A native of Southern California, and a third generation Latino, he has been working in the entertainment industry for the past ten years. Tony is the founder of the personal and entertainment development company, called Con Ganas, working with artists, athletes, and entrepreneurs.
Most recently, Tony produced the indie comedy film, The Mother, The Menacer, and Me. Prior to that Tony worked for Nicki Minaj, as part of her growth development team as she expanded her entrepreneurial and creative endeavors across multiple sectors, as well as part of the management team for global superstar, Jennifer Lopez, under media entrepreneur, Benny Medina.
Currently, Estrada is developing the stage musical, Labor of Love, musical film, NO TE OLVIDES, and the social thriller novel, THOSE WHO FEAR US.
Under his Con Ganas Entertainment banner, Tony focuses on projects that are audience please, commercially viable pieces that help to propel the Latino voice in front of and behind the camera.
John Sheridan
Senior Advisor for Technology
John Sheridan is an Asheville, North Carolina-based programmer and designer. With over 20 years of experience building and maintaining things on the internet, he brings a wealth of technical leadership to any project, and prides himself on delivering things on time and within budget.
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John H. Sheridan
John Sheridan is an Asheville, North Carolina-based programmer and designer. With over 20 years of experience building and maintaining things on the internet, he brings a wealth of technical leadership to any project, and prides himself on delivering things on time and within budget.
With half a computer science degree and a bachelor’s in Visual Communications from the University of South Carolina, John calls himself a programmer first and a designer second. His journey began at 14, building his first website after receiving “HTML 4 for Dummies” as a Christmas gift. By 17, he was freelancing, and at 20, he landed his first programming job. Now 37, John remains passionate about the web, but would love to coach a basketball team on the side.
Our Partners
Trusted by industry leaders
Ballard Strategy Group is proud to work with distinguished organizations across diverse sectors. These partnerships reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional strategic value.
Our Global Partners
London, UK
Founded in 2019, Atticus Partners is an award-winning full-service communication, strategic advisory and government affairs agency with experience working for some of the world’s leading finance, tech and digital businesses.
Read more about Atticus Partners
Atticus Partners
Founded in 2019, Atticus Partners is an award-winning full-service communication, strategic advisory and government affairs agency with experience working for some of the world’s leading finance, tech and digital businesses.
Based in Westminster, as specialists in public affairs and strategic monitoring, we help multinational companies navigate complex political and regulatory landscapes. By identifying emerging policy trends, stakeholder sentiments, and legislative developments, we enable our clients to anticipate risks, seize opportunities, and shape discussions that impact their business.
With a strong track record in government relations both in the UK and internationally, we provide expert counsel in political intelligence, regulatory engagement, reputation management, and stakeholder communications. We work closely with our clients to ensure they are well-informed, well-positioned, and can effectively influence key decision-making processes. In addition, we support clients with strategic media engagement and reputation management to ensure their messaging aligns with broader public affairs objectives.
What We Do
Services
Strategic Communications
Media Relations
Corporate Communications
Investor Communications
Content Creation
Thought Leadership
Crisis Management
Crisis Communications
Crisis Preparedness
Reputation Recovery
Issue Mitigation
Public Affairs
Government Affairs
Policy Advocacy
Regulatory Navigation
Stakeholder Engagement
Digital & Entertainment
Digital Media Strategy
Social Media Management
Entertainment Industry Relations
Audience Development
Executive Counsel
Strategic Counsel
Leadership Positioning
C-Suite Advisory
Message Development
Sector Expertise
Technology
Cybersecurity
Public Sector
Telecommunication
Agriculture
Automotive
Biotechnology
Energy