Our Story & Leadership
Our Story
Connect Public Affairs (CPA) was born out of Connect Public Relations (CPR) which was founded by Steve Butler in 2004. Butler teamed up with Tyler Adams in 2021 and they have now formed Connect Public Affairs to continue CPR’s stellar rate of success for their clients. CPA has an extensive resume in government affairs support for energy, healthcare, education, finance, public safety, local government issues and more.
CPA boasts a unique background in film production and media outreach to support policy efforts on behalf of clients. Nothing travels faster than video. Google conducted a study that found video was 1200 times more likely to be viewed than any form of print outreach. Having and implementing a strategic approach to media can be the difference between winning and losing in tough policy debates. CPA combines all these services to position our clients for the absolute best chance at success.
Steve Butler
Steve Butler has established himself as a key player in both legislative and electoral politics in Georgia. Butler has demonstrated the ability to produce results in several capacities, including External Affairs Specialist for the Georgia Department of Education, Government Affairs Director for Grady Memorial Hospital, Southeastern Director of Government Affairs for DaVita and Chief of Staff for the Chairman of Fulton County. He founded Connect Public Relations (CPA), a firm focused on government affairs, media production and business development, in 2004.
Butler’s foray into energy began by establishing the Georgia Energy Forum in 2007. Since then he has successfully represented a variety of clean energy interests. Butler’s significant engagement with legislative and energy stakeholders paved the way for him to create Conservatives for Clean Energy Georgia in 2019. Butler works diligently supporting the advancement of all market-driven clean energy initiatives. Currently CPA represents the community solar industry through Georgia SEIA, and is a consultant for national clean energy business interests. In support of these efforts, Butler writes, directs and produces short films, interviews, and issue film vignettes to advance clean energy public policy.
Tyler Adams
Before joining Connect Public Relations as Senior Vice President, Tyler Adams was a veteran of two Republican administrations under Governor Nathan Deal and Governor Brian Kemp. In his most recent position, Tyler served as Policy Advisor for Governor Kemp, playing a key leadership role in legislative issues regarding transportation, economic development, broadband, energy, regulated industries and natural resources. He also worked with both governors in the allocation of federal dollars issued to Georgia for various purposes.
Tyler started his career in former House Rules Chairman John Meadows’ office before working with a lobbying firm for three years. He holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Georgia College and a master’s degree in Public Policy from Georgia State. Tyler grew up in Monroe, Georgia, and has earned the rank of Eagle Scout.