Ben M. Donaldson
Ben M. Donaldson
In Memoriam - Managing Director of Government Affairs
Biography
Hall Booth Smith mourns the passing of Ben Donaldson, our Managing Director of Government Affairs, who passed away last week. During this difficult time, our thoughts and support remain with Ben’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those who knew him.
We are proud to honor Ben’s memory and the lasting impact he made on HBS. His dedication to our firm, our clients, and the people around him will be remembered, and we are grateful for his many contributions and years of friendship.
Over the course of his career, Ben worked closely with local, state, and federal government officials in shaping and informing successful opioid legislation in Kentucky, New Jersey, Florida, and Texas, as well as substance abuse and recovery treatment legislation H.R. 6 with former President Donald J. Trump. Ben served under Congressman Andy Barr on the Kentucky opioid task force, and he spearheaded work in Kentucky alongside Senator Ralph A. Alvarado, Senator Alice Forgy Kerr, and other leadership to help pass the first law on prescription opioid awareness and education.
Ben was actively involved with numerous legislative and business committees and initiatives related to the interests of his clients. He served on the Congressional Legislative Equine committee, worked closely with the American Banking Association, and served as president of the Kentucky Bankers Association where he supported the passage of beneficial banking regulations at both the state and federal level.
Earlier in his career, Ben worked on several gubernatorial and congressional campaigns for Governor Ernie Fletcher of Kentucky, Governor Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, and Governor Donald Sundquist of Tennessee.
Ben graduated from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. He also earned a certificate in Government Affairs and U.S. policy from Harvard University while seeking a Master’s in Business Administration.
Ben was a member of the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists (FAPL), the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE), and the National Association of State Lobbyists (NASL). He served on the Community Activity Board for American University, and the Board of Directors of nonprofit Healing on Saddles. He is a former Advisory Board member for Infina Connect, former Board Member for Equine Medical Technology, former Board Member for Smart Link Medical, and former Board Member for the Kentucky Equine Center.
Ben lived in Ocala, Florida, with his wife Suzanne, and they have six children and three grandchildren. When Ben was not working on client and lobbying matters, he enjoyed working on his farm, playing golf, fishing, and riding horses.
Credentials
Education
- M.B.A., Harvard University (in progress)
- Certificate, Government Affairs and U.S. Policy, Harvard University
- B.S.; Business Administration and Management, General; Freed-Hardeman University
Memberships
- Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists (FAPL)
- National Association of State Lobbyists (NASL)
- National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE)
- American University, Community Activity Board, Member (former)
- Equine Medical Technology, Board Member (former)
- Healing on Saddles, Board of Directors, Member (former)
- Infina Connect, Advisory Board Member (former)
- Kentucky Equine Center, Board Member (former)
- Smart Link Medical, Board Member (former)