Cassius F. Butts

Cassius F. Butts is a two-time presidential appointee, first as a Presidential Management Fellow under the George W. Bush Administration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Later Butts was appointed by President Barack Obama as Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration —becoming the first African American to serve in that role for Region IV. Under his leadership, the agency achieved five consecutive record-breaking years, delivering over $30 billion in small business lending across eight southern states.

In the state of Georgia, Butts has earned the trust of multiple governors. In 2019, Governor Nathan Deal appointed him chairman of the Fort McPherson Local Redevelopment Authority, leading the redevelopment of a 487-acre former military base—one of Atlanta’s largest economic development projects. After Governor Deal’s term concluded, Governor Brian Kemp reappointed Butts as chairman. He also appointed him in 2020 to the Georgia Department of Economic Development Board which includes oversight of the Georgia Film & Entertainment Office and in 2024 to the Georgia Tourism Foundation Board.

Butts is the founder and principal of Capital Fortitude Business Advisors, a nationally recognized Atlanta-based consulting firm. He leads initiatives that help individuals, executives, and organizations navigate complex challenges and develop capital strategies for growth. His work spans federal agencies, corporate boardrooms, and high-profile sports and entertainment ventures, including film productions and pursuit of a professional sports franchise acquisition.

Butts believes in living in his purpose every day and that means sharing his knowledge and experience to help others succeed. Through his podcast The Winning Way, Butts talks to leaders and titans of industry, from MLB Hall of Famer, Dale Murphy, to iconic NFL Quarterback Mike Vick to Leslie Zinn, founder and CEO of Ardens Garden, so others can learn from their success and challenges. He also authored Exceptional: Being the Exception to the Rule and co-authored the best-selling book, Pursuit:365 Business Edition.