Balfour Joins Southern-Focused Public Affairs Firm

Don Balfour
Executive Vice President, Government Relations

Published Feb. 14 | By Elliott Brack, Gwinnett Forum

A southern-focused public affairs and government relations firm has hired former state Sen. Don Balfour of Norcross as one of its executive vice presidents. Ohio River South announced that Balfour will bolster the firm’s reach and relationships for federal and multi-state engagements with this expansion.

At the same time, the company also announced that Andy Beck is also joining the firm also in the executive vice president capacity. He will lead the firm’s communications practice as it expands to Washington D.C.

Howard Franklin, founder and CEO of Ohio River South, says: “Andy and Don bring tremendous expertise and credibility to the firm. Their experience in public affairs, government relations, and corporate strategy will be tremendous assets to our growing roster of clients across a wide array of industries and geographies.”

Balfour will be executive vice president of government relations. He was the longest-serving Republican in the Georgia State Senate, representing Gwinnett County for more than 20 years, where he chaired the key rules and reapportionment committees and shepherded landmark legislation into law, including property tax freezes and eminent domain reforms.

Balfour will lead the firm’s multi state practice. He previously was president of the National Conference of State Legislatures, chairing the State Suggested Legislation Committee for the Council of State Governments, and held multiple posts within the American Legislative Exchange Council. Additionally, Don served as an executive with Waffle House for over 25 years.

Ohio River South is an advocacy firm working with public and private sectors across the American South. Specializing in lobbying, strategic communications and business partnerships, the firm has helped clients score legislative wins, drive public perception, and launch innovative projects across multiple southern states.

For more information, visit ohioriversouth.com.