Drew Wilson
Former U.S. Foreign Service Officer Aaron Sampson is joining international governmental affairs firm Ballard Partners as a Senior Adviser on African Affairs in the D.C. office.
With more than two decades of experience in international affairs, diplomacy, and political analysis, Sampson brings a wealth of expertise to the firm to serve its international, public and private sector clients.
Sampson, a Minnesota native, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Gabon and Madagascar before entering the Foreign Service. His overseas assignments with Department of State included serving as General Services Officer in Guinea, Political and Economic Section Chief in Mali, Political and Economic Section Chief in Uganda, and Political Counselor and Acting Deputy Chief of Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In Washington, Sampson served as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Africa Director in the Bureau of Democracy and Human Rights, coordinator for the U.S. government’s interagency task force on wildlife trafficking, and a course instructor at the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute.
In addition, Sampson spent more than two years on a detail from the State Department to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee where he participated in Congressional oversight trips to Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Mali, Niger, Chad, Uganda, and the DRC. He has also lived and worked in Djibouti, Mauritania, and South Africa.
“We are thrilled to welcome Aaron to Ballard Partners,” said Brian Ballard, founder and President of Ballard Partners. “His deep understanding of diplomacy and international relations as well as his subject matter expertise on African politics will be invaluable to our clients and our partners. He is highly respected, exceptionally talented, and we are confident he will be a tremendous asset to our team.”
Sampson holds an undergraduate degree from Cornell University, a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University, and an MA in comparative politics from American University. He is the author of several academic articles focused on international relations and Africa.
“I am honored to join Ballard Partners and collaborate with their esteemed team of government affairs professionals,” said Sampson. “The firm is renowned for its strategic advocacy and proven success in achieving results for its clients. With my background in international politics and diplomacy, I look forward to leveraging my expertise to help clients navigate complex government relations and global policy challenges effectively.”
