Cassius F. Butts

Cassius F. Butts has worked alongside domestic and international heads of state, presidents, and CEOs. He understands the importance of creating pipeline opportunities for professionals and organizations in addition to having a genuine interest in mentoring and advising mid-career and senior professionals. These initiatives are accomplished while also overseeing the nationally noted Capital Fortitude Business Advisors consulting firm and being Chief Strategy Officer & Managing Partner with Global Leader Group.

In 2022, Cassius was appointed co-chair of the newly created General Services Administration Acquisition Policy Federal Advisory Committee.[1][2] This committee will initially focus on embedding climate and sustainability regulations, policies and processes within federal acquisition. In 2020, Gov. Brian Kemp appointed him to serve on the Georgia Economic Development Board and as a Consumer Advocate for the Georgia Board of Cemeterians. The previous year he was also appointed to serve on the Biden-Harris Transition Team, transition team[3] for Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms along with other executives and CEO's such as Delta Airlines, UPS, NYSE to name a few and as chairman of the Fort McPherson Local Redevelopment Authority.[4]

Following his passion for his alma mater, Cassius was invited to serve on the Morehouse College Department of Business & Economics Board of Advisors. He also contributes his time as a Trustee to Morris Brown College[5] and has served on numerous boards - WellStar Health System Institutional Review Board, the National Black MBA Association,[6] the Florida 8a Association and World Affairs Council of Atlanta.

Cassius thrives on sharing his experience and knowledge to help others succeed with the notion of self-actualization, determination, and integrity. He is a proud descendant of an entrepreneurial, higher education and faith driven family.  Following his family values and career, he previously served as an Executive In Residence at the Robinson College of Business within Georgia State University. His contributions helped the college receive the national ranking of the "Second Most Innovative University" by, U.S. News & World Report in 2018.[7][8] Additionally, he helped the Robinson College of Business achieve the status of becoming only the second university in the state of Georgia to offer a degree in Entrepreneurship.

Public sector service

During Cassius' tenure with the federal government, he served in a total of 4 presidential administrations - Bush, Obama, Trump and Biden.

The former regional administrator for the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2011. During his time with SBA, he managed five record-breaking years for SBA lending within the eight southern states. He developed a strategy that helped achieve over $30 billion to small businesses during his appointment.

Cassius also served as a Presidential Management Fellow under the George W. Bush Administration within the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). He assisted in the establishment of HUD’s multi-million marketing procurement process and was named Branch Chief of the Real Estate Owned division during his tenure.

Private sector service

Cassius served as president & CEO of 1st Choice Credit Union headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. 1st Choice is a certified CDFI that serves over 9,000 members with 200 shared locations.

He is the founder of Capital Fortitude Business Advisors; a boutique management-consulting firm that helps small businesses, NGO's and higher educational entities achieve their bottom line. His firm is also a partner with American Express's "Summit for Success" which provides growth strategies for small to midsize businesses. In 2019, Capital Fortitude Business Advisors was identified to lead the task force on minority & small businesses via the Georgians First Commission.

Author and podcast host

Cassius is a servant leader. For nearly three decades he has been a trusted advisor to thousands. He has helped businesses and individuals reach their goals and realize their dreams all while learning from them. In 2023, Cassius authored his first book, Exceptional: Being the Exception to the Rules.[9][10] This book, based on his life experiences, reveals 14 lessons that will equip and challenge you to chart and navigate your own path to success and live a life of passion and purpose.

Cassius also launched a podcast, originally "Talk to Cassius" and now “The Winning Way", because he wanted to share the insightful discussions he has had the opportunity to have with people who have made significant contributions in the fields of sports, business, and entertainment. Some of his guest include, former NFL quarterback Mike Vick; former MLB and Atlanta Braves legend, Dale Murphy; and AMB Sports & Entertainment General Counsel Joe Pierce who legally advises the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United and The PGA TOUR Superstore to name a few.

He was born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Orlando, FL as the son of a late aerospace engineer and his mother, the owner and operator of a National Association of Family Child Care business. Growing up he and his only brother embarked on various business ventures and creative pursuits throughout their childhood. For the past 20 years, he has worked with many elected and appointed officials.

Cassius is a proud graduate of Morehouse College (BA), Clark Atlanta University (MPA), and obtained a Grant Writing certificate from Emory University's Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes.

A graduate of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership Institute, former South Cobb Economic Development Advisory Council, former Federal Executive Board Committee member and Leadership Atlanta of 2012. He is a member of Sigma Pi Phi, Fraternity-Kappa Boulé chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and H.R. Butler Masonic Lodge #23.[11]

• Official website