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.