About Dave Butler — Butler Strategies

About Dave

Thoughtful leadership shaped by decades of civic service

Founded in 2025, Butler Strategies represents the formalization of the strategic consulting work Dave has provided for more than 25 years to leaders in the private, public, and non-profit sectors helping them identify, advance, and achieve strategic, mission-based objectives.

Dave brings a deeply rooted understanding of California's civic landscape to every engagement. His career spans the California State Legislature, the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and executive leadership of regional non-profits and statewide associations.

Career History

A career built on relationships, results, and public service

2025 — Present

Founder & Principal

Butler Strategies

Founded Butler Strategies to serve individuals, businesses, local governments, non-profits, and membership organizations across California — helping leaders advance strategic objectives in public policy, economic development, and organizational management.

2015 — 2025

Associate Vice President

Advocacy and Management Group (AMG)

Served as Executive Director of the California Society of Anesthesiologists and the California Society of Pathologists. Also served as lobbyist for UCAN — the United Chamber Advocacy Network, a coalition of local chambers of commerce he established in 2018.

Prior to AMG

Chief Executive Officer

NextEd (formerly LEED)

Led a non-profit business and education partnership affiliated with the Sacramento Metro Chamber. Rebranded the organization, rebuilt stakeholder relationships, and secured $25 million in state and federal grants benefiting 20 school districts across eight Northern California counties.

Earlier Career

Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Economic Development

Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Worked on policy issues at the local, regional, state, and federal levels. Managed the chamber's annual Cap to Cap program — the nation's largest chamber lobbying trip to Washington, D.C. — and led successful campaigns for major ballot measures including a $1.7 billion transportation extension and a $265 million community college bond.

Early Career

District Director

California State Legislature — First Senate District

Served as District Director for the First Senate District, building a foundational understanding of the legislative process and the communities it serves.

How Dave Works

Three words that define every engagement

Thoughtful

Every initiative is approached with deep reflection and intentional action. Dave listens before he leads, ensuring that strategy is always grounded in context and designed for lasting impact.

Committed

Dave is steadfast and principled in his work. When he takes on an engagement, he's all in — building the relationships and doing the sustained work necessary to move things forward.

Strategic

With an eye on both the big picture and the fine details, Dave builds strategies that connect vision to execution — identifying the right path and the right people to make it happen.

Education & Credentials

Grounded in knowledge, shaped by experience

B.A. Political Science

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Emphasis in State & Local Government

Certificate in Organizational Management

Institute for Organizational Management
US Chamber of Commerce Affiliate

A Personal Note

I was born and raised in Sacramento and after high school, attended UCLA where I met my wife, Tami. After we married and started our family, we decided to make the Sacramento region our home, where we raised our two daughters. They are now both grown, happily married and raising their own families.

For over 25 years, I have dedicated my career and personal time to serving communities and organizations to help them grow and prosper. Through Butler Strategies, I am committed to bringing that same dedication to help our clients identify and achieve their objectives, ensuring the success of their organizations and the prosperity of communities here in California."

Dave Butler — Founder, Butler Strategies · Rocklin, California

Meet Dave Butler