Annual Report
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Tampa Bay Partnership Announces Vistra Communications’ Brian Butler as New Chair

Brian Butler

TAMPA, FL – October 1, 2026 – The Tampa Bay Partnership is pleased to announce Brian Butler, Founder, President, and CEO of Vistra Communications, as the organization’s 28th Chair. He succeeds Nikky Flores, Florida Region Manager, Commercial Banking at JPMorgan Chase, following her two-year term.

“I’m honored to serve as Chair of the Tampa Bay Partnership and grateful to Nikky Flores and the chairs before her, whose leadership built the strong foundation we stand on today,” said Butler. “Vistra has been proud to support the Partnership’s work, and I’m excited to help carry it forward alongside leaders who care deeply about Tampa Bay’s future. We have important work ahead, especially making sure the people who live and work here have what they need to build a stable and prosperous life. I look forward to building on the Partnership’s progress as we move our region forward.”

Butler founded Vistra Communications in 2007 and grew the Tampa-based company into an award-winning strategic communications, marketing, and consulting firm serving corporate, government, and nonprofit clients nationwide. A decorated military veteran, Butler previously 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.

A longtime community advocate, Butler created the CEOs in Schools initiative in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools. He has served on numerous regional boards, including the Tampa Bay Partnership Council of Governors, the Tampa Bay Chamber (former chairman), Visit Tampa Bay, and WEDU Public Broadcasting. Butler also serves on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. His accolades include the Tampa Bay Chamber’s 2018 Outstanding Leader of the Year and recognition among Florida Trend’s Florida 500 Most Influential Business Leaders.

“Brian has a long history of bringing people together and getting things done for Tampa Bay,” said Flores. “His passion for education, creating opportunities for others, and serving our community will be invaluable as he takes on this role. I’ve enjoyed working alongside Brian and look forward to seeing the Partnership continue to grow under his leadership.”

Under Flores’ leadership, the Partnership successfully advocated for $1.75 million in federal funding for the Regional Infrastructure Accelerator program, facilitated the transfer of federal grant sponsorship for the Cross Bay Ferry to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), and advanced regional transportation planning efforts. The Partnership also supported successful education referendums in five counties, advocated for expanded eligibility for early learning programs, and released The Housing Equation and Beyond the Front Door research reports.

“As we embark on a more ambitious housing affordability agenda through Tampa Bay Rising, Brian brings the relationships and leadership needed to help us make meaningful progress,” said Bemetra Simmons, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership. “I am excited to work alongside him as we continue strengthening our region’s talent pipeline, advancing transportation solutions, and tackling the issues that matter most to Tampa Bay’s future. I’m also incredibly grateful to Nikky for her leadership over the past two years and the momentum she has helped us build.”

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About the Tampa Bay Partnership 

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The Tampa Bay Partnership is a coalition of regional business leaders joined by a shared commitment to improving the personal and economic well-being of Tampa Bay residents. The Partnership works with the region’s top employers, along with a diverse group of government and nonprofit partners, to identify and address the toughest challenges facing our community, including transportation, talent, housing affordability, and other emerging issues. Learn more at tampabay.org. 

For more information, please contact: 

Shannon Kalahar 
Tampa Bay Partnership 
Senior Director of Strategic Communications 
(727) 741-5440 
skalahar@tampabay.org

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The Tampa Bay Partnership is composed of a coalition that helps unite the collective voices and influence and hone in on a unified message to address regional challenges and achieve what no individual or organization can accomplish alone.

Media Contact:
Shannon Kalahar
skalahar@tampabay.org
727.741.5440

C.J. Mintrone

Regional President and Head of Corporate Banking, West Florida, PNC Bank

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C.J. Mintrone is regional president and head of Corporate Banking for PNC Bank in West Florida, responsible for overseeing all lines of business, sponsorships, philanthropic and branding efforts important to PNC’s strategy.
 
Mintrone was named regional president in July 2026 and brings more than 20 years of industry experience, including 15 years at PNC, to this role.
As executive vice president and head of Corporate Banking for West Florida, he leads a high-performing team delivering PNC’s comprehensive banking solutions to corporations with revenues exceeding $100 million. He is the national co-leader for PNC’s Corporate Sales Development (CSD) team,, where he drives sales strategy, marketing, and growth initiatives across PNC’s Corporate Banking markets nationwide.
 
Mintrone is active in the community and serves as a board member of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, vice chair of the advisory board of Make-A-Wish Tampa Bay, and a board member of Junior Achievement Tampa Bay. He is also on the finance committee of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. In addition, he serves on the executive advisory council for the University of South Florida Muma College of Business and on the Tampa Bay Partnership workforce board.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a specialty in finance (Cum Laude), from the University of Florida and is a graduate of Leadership Tampa (2013).