Philip Ballard

Captain
DISC Type : DS

Lead Communications Director - CEO Comms at USAA

Jupiter, Florida, United States

Overview

Philip is a seasoned communications executive, currently supporting the CEO at USAA. His career spans the Pentagon, Wall Street, and the C-suite in industries like defense, aerospace, and financial services. He holds a B. A. from Cornell and an Executive MBA from Virginia Tech. People who have worked with him describe him as reliable, knowledgeable, and innovative.

His personal journey is marked by a distinguished career as a former U. S. Naval Officer and Pentagon consultant with Top Secret clearance. This foundation in public service has shaped his transition into leading corporate communications for major Fortune 200 companies, blending military strategic discipline with high-stakes corporate messaging.

Unique fact: In a previous role, he was a recognized on-air travel and hospitality expert for national media outlets.

Personality Overview

Planner & Achiever

Long-Term Thinker

Output-Driven

They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily.  Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them. They exhibit a rare combination of being result-oriented but patient at the same time.

Topics They Care About

Veteran Support
Actively promotes his company's initiatives for veterans' careers, financial security, and well-being, stemming from his own background as a Naval Officer.
CEO Communications
His current role is focused on leading all internal and external communications strategies directly for the CEO of USAA.
Travel & Hospitality
Served as Chief Communications Officer for HotelPlanner, frequently appearing on TV as a travel expert to discuss industry trends and insights.

Media Appearances

Philip has no verified media appearances

Work History

11-2025
Lead Communications Director - CEO Comms at USAA
1-2025 - 6-2025
Head of Communications & Public Affairs at Titan America
4-2021 - 8-2024
Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and Head of Investor Relations at HotelPlanner.com
11-2019 - 8-2020
Director | Public Relations | Corporate Communications | Crisis Communications | Change Management at Raytheon Technologies
5-2016
Communications Director | Internal Communications | Strategic Communications for C-suite executives at Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

Education

1996 - 2000
B.A. from Cornell University
2010 - 2012
Executive MBA from Virginia Tech

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 8 Location : Jupiter, Florida, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Lead Communications Director - CEO Comms at USAA
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Insights For Selling To Philip

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Suggest clear next steps with confidence, don't be vague or hesitant
  • Let them know of potential risks but suggest mitigation methods alongside
  • Focus on the results that your product produces, expect some strategic questions in return

DONT's

  • Don't go over them unless you are left with no other option
  • Avoid putting conscious effort into relationship-building
  • Don't shy away from asking hard questions, but be extra polite

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Philip is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Philip

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Philip move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Philip take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Philip

Personality Compatibility


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