Sam Tostensen
Director, Government Affairs & Project Development, Butler Avenue Partners
Sam Tostensen brings over a decade of experience in government, public affairs, and political strategy to his role as Director of Government Affairs and Business Development at Butler Avenue Partners. With a deep understanding of Georgia’s political landscape and well-established relationships at every level of government, Sam helps clients navigate complex systems, build critical partnerships, and move initiatives forward with confidence and clarity.
Prior to joining BAP, Sam served as Deputy Field Director for the Office of Governor Brian Kemp, where he managed field operations and oversaw policy implementation across Southeast Georgia. He previously served as Southeast Georgia Field Director for U.S. Senator David Perdue and played key roles in statewide campaigns for both Senator Perdue and Governor Kemp. His work has spanned grassroots organizing, public policy outreach, and high-level stakeholder engagement across the region.
In addition to his background in public affairs, Sam provides clients with insight into the tourism sector through his leadership of the Tourism Leadership Council in the Golden Isles. A native of Coastal Georgia, he has a deep understanding of the local tourism economy and works to unite industry stakeholders, promote sustainable growth, and represent the industry’s interests at the state and local levels.
Sam is actively involved in civic leadership, serving on the boards of Keep Golden Isles Beautiful, the Coastal Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and Leadership Southeast Georgia. He studied Political Science at Valdosta State University and is a graduate of Leadership Glynn (2011), the Georgia Academy for Economic Development (2019), and Leadership Southeast Georgia (2022).
He lives on St. Simons Island with his wife, Katie, and their son, Tripp.