Our Team
Corey Johns
Stakeholder Relations Manager
As Stakeholder Relations Manager, Corey Johns serves as Connect South Carolina’s primary point-of-contact for state partners, key stakeholders, industry representatives and the public. In this role, he engages and connects a diverse group of broadband stakeholders to facilitate meaningful collaboration to advance technology and high-speed internet availability, adoption and usage at both the state and local level. Additionally, he works to understand the technology goals and priorities of the state’s various agencies, institutions and communities.
Corey joined Connected Nation in February 2009 as Connected Tennessee’s State Operations Manager for the East region. There he managed the regional aspects of a statewide strategy promoting the integration and expansion of technology and sustainable broadband adoption programs across East Tennessee. Prior to joining Connected Nation, Corey served as an economic development professional in one of the Southeast’s most dynamic tourism communities. He has broad experience in public and governmental affairs and has worked in the private, public and not-for-profit arenas. Corey completed a BA and MPA at the University of Tennessee. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute (EDI) and is a member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
Adam Highley
Director
Strategic Program Office
Adam Highley serves as the Director of Connected Nation’s Strategic Program Office. In this role, Adam is responsible for the development and diffusion of a project management culture throughout the Connected Nation enterprise. Adam also oversees all Connected Nation programs to ensure that activities are carried out in accordance with established specifications, schedules, and budgets; oversees the coordination of interdepartmental functions in order to minimize delays meets with program team members on a regular basis to review program status and plan future actions. Additionally, Adam oversees the development of business architecture, technical architecture and operational performance reporting for the company.
Adam joins Connected Nation most recently from Appriss, Inc. where has served as Project Manager for two years. Prior to his time at Appriss, Adam served seven years as Implementation Project Manager and Sr. Implementation Project Manager for Kindred Healthcare. His project management experience encompasses healthcare and law enforcement technology as well as financial and clinical systems implementations and trainings.
Adam holds a bachelor of science degree in education and his Project Management Professional certification.
Wil Payton
Communications Specialist
Wil Payton serves as a Communications Specialist where he is responsible for assisting with projecting a positive image of Connected Nation to stakeholders and the general public through various media activities including web and other multimedia assets. Wil coordinates with media at a national level to gain maximum exposure for Connected Nation’s activities and support partner communications and assist in strategic downstate media outreach.
Wil joins Connected Nation with extensive experience in public affairs, publication design and layout, web development and marketing and digital imaging most recently serving as Communications Consultant with BookMark Creative Services. In addition, he served as Graphic Designer for National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association, Art Director for Marine Corps Gazette and Communication/Public Affairs Specialist in the U.S. Air Force.
Wil holds a B.S. in Communications from Illinois State University.
