Tampa CEO tapped for Encore Bank board

Brian Butler, chief executive officer of Tampa-based Vistra Communications, joined Encore Bank’s board of directors.

Butler is a combat decorated, retired career military officer. Prior to founding Vistra in 2007, he provided strategic communications counsel to senior leaders at U.S. Central Command and served as a policy director on the Homeland Security Council in the White House. He also served as a spokesperson for an Army Secretary and on the communications team for a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon and worked in the Washington, D.C. office of FleishmanHillard.

Butler also serves on many local, and national, boards including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Veteran Owned Businesses, Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council, Tampa Bay Partnership and WEDU Public Broadcast Television. In addition, he is currently serving as vice-chair of the Tampa Bay Chamber Board of Directors.

Butler founded the CEOs in Schools initiative with Hillsborough County Public Schools and co-created the Advancing Racial Equity on Nonprofit Boards Fellowship program, with the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brian to our Board of Directors,” said Chairman and CEO Chris Roberts. “His leadership expertise, vast experience and unique perspective will be invaluable to Encore as we continue to grow and expand our footprint.”

Encore Bank is based in Little Rock, Arkansas but has a presence in Tampa.

Read more about Butler’s story here.

You May Also Like

Exclusive: TBBW names winners of inaugural Tampa Bay Business Women Awards (PHOTOS)

It was a night to remember and one for the Tampa Bay Business and Wealth history books. More than 500 guests, including finalists and sponsors, were in attendance for the 2023 Tampa Bay Business Women Awards, held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, in Tampa. Fifty women were honored for their work in

Culbreath Isles estate hits market for $10.25 million (PHOTOS)

A Culbreath Isles estate home, at 1612 Culbreath Isles Drive, has been listed for $10,250,000. The home was completed in 2022 and is equipped with advanced smart home technology and energy-efficient features. The property has views of Tampa Bay and outdoor living space, complete with a custom pool and a floating, waterfall-edge spa, over a

On the Scene: TBBW Award finalists participate in Hammers and Heels Habitat build (PHOTOS)

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties hosted a volunteer build day, exclusively for the finalists of the 2023 Tampa Bay Business and Wealth Magazine’s Tampa Bay Business Women awards. Finalists worked alongside future homeowner Cheetara Louch on her build site, in St. Petersburg. Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco is the 2023 TBBW

Molly James named CEO of the Metropolitan Ministries Foundation

Molly James has been named as the new chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Ministries Foundation, a separate 501c3 of Metropolitan Ministries. James was selected by the Metropolitan Ministries Foundation Board of Directors, succeeding Reverend Morris E. Hintzman who served as the Foundation’s president for the last several years, prior to his retirement, according to

Other Posts

VC Fast Pitch networking event returns to St Pete

Networking is at the heart of the entrepreneurial spirit. Once entrepreneurs connect with investors who see the potential in their companies, incredible things can happen. Through this collaboration process businesses develop, mature and grow. For entrepreneurs, the first step to meeting investors is finding an opportunity to pitch their company. Business accelerator Black Dog Venture

Tampa Bay Innovation Center names startups for AI Accelerator

The Tampa Bay Innovation Center, a technology incubator, accelerator and coworking office, in St. Petersburg, has named the startups for its artificial intelligence accelerator. This cohort will focus specifically on teams developing innovation that embraces the emerging capabilities of AI and machine learning. Over the course of the program, founders of these companies will receive

Florida Blue names two new market leaders in the Tampa Bay region

Florida Blue, the state’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan, recently announced the addition of two veteran health care executives to the West Florida team as market leaders. Market Leader Matt Tierney will oversee Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. He was promoted from local market finance and analytics leader, before assuming this role. Market

97 Tampa Bay businesses rank on Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Private Companies in America

97 Tampa Bay businesses rank on Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Private Companies in America Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, companies must have been established and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They must be based in the United