Ballard Partners, one of the nation’s leading government relations firms, has announced the opening of a new office in Caracas, Venezuela, and the appointment of firm Partner Scott Wagner as its Managing Partner. Wagner will lead the Caracas office while remaining a Partner in the Washington office, servicing clients in both national capitals.
Wagner brings decades of experience in cross-border transactions across Latin America. He has advised on tens of billions of dollars’ worth of public and private infrastructure projects involving maritime ports, airports, water management, environmental restoration, and energy pipelines, and has assisted multinational entities with matters in Panama, Cuba, Colombia, and Venezuela. He is a member of the firm’s Western Hemisphere Affairs Practice and its Venezuela Working Group.
The Caracas office extends Ballard Partners’ Western Hemisphere Affairs Practice and Venezuela Working Group, which the firm launched in January 2026 to help clients navigate the regulatory, diplomatic, and commercial landscape of the United States’ evolving engagement with Venezuela.
KEY QUOTES:
“Opening an office in Caracas is the natural next step in our firm’s Western Hemisphere strategy and a reflection of the extraordinary moment now unfolding in Venezuela. As Venezuela focuses on growing its economy and its renewed engagement with the United States, our clients need advisors on the ground who understand both the Venezuelan market and the corridors of power in Washington.”
Brian Ballard, President and Founder, Ballard Partners
“Venezuela stands at the threshold of one of the most significant economic openings in the hemisphere in a generation. I am honored to lead Ballard Partners’ presence in Caracas.”
Scott Wagner, Managing Partner, Ballard Partners Caracas
