ORS Celebrates New Biennial with 4th Annual Bipartisan Brunch

ORS kicked off the first half of Georgia’s biennial with our 4th Annual Bipartisan Brunch, bringing together elected and appointed officials from all levels of government and both sides of the aisle for a dynamic afternoon of connection and collaboration, following the first day of the 158th Georgia General Assembly.

Hosted in our Capitol-adjacent South Downtown offices, the event featured a classic southern brunch and an invigorating atmosphere of collaboration and shared purpose. Clients, colleagues, and friends gathered to connect and celebrate as we proudly introduced two exceptional new additions to our team.

Don Balfour, ORS’s new Executive Vice President of Government Relations, served in Georgia’s state house for more than twenty years and led the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) as President. He chaired the ‘Suggested Legislation Committee’ for the Council of State Governments, held leadership roles within ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council, and taught courses for new lawmakers courses at for several years after his elected tenure.

Andy Beck is the firm’s new Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications. He served as Director of Public Affairs for three different agencies in the Bush (43) Administration and held roles in George W. Bush’s (2000, 2004) and Donald J. Trump’s (2024) successful presidential campaigns. He also brings a dynamic blend of public and private sector experience, having managed portfolios for global brands like Amazon, Google, Pfizer, and Ford.

Don and Andy extend Ohio River South’s regional and federal reach while enhancing our comprehensive approach to tackling the complexities of government relations, public affairs, and crisis communications. Their leadership ensures our clients are not only well-represented but also fully equipped to address challenges and seize opportunities in an ever-evolving landscape.

A special thank you to Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger and Attorney General Chris Carr for stopping by to discuss their respective legislative priorities for the new biennial and to Leroy Chapman, Editor-in-Chief at the AJC. After only four years, the Bipartisan Brunch has become a cherished tradition under the Gold Dome, celebrating the power of cross-party partnerships and the spirit of progress. As we look ahead to the opportunities and challenges of the 2025-26 legislative session, we’re thrilled to see this event grow year after year, welcoming new faces and reconnecting with familiar ones.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to hosting you again soon!