Jeffrey Butt

Jeffrey Drew Butt has been involved with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay for over 15 years. Without Jeff’s tremendous leadership and dedication, the agency undoubtedly would not be where it is today, and would not serve as many of those in need in the Tampa Bay community as it does. A prominent board certified real estate attorney with Squire, Sanders and Dempsey, LLP, Jeff is a strong believer in giving back to the community through volunteerism and has contributed many thousands of hours of his time to Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

Jeff first became involved with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay in 1990 when he was asked to serve as the agency’s pro bono legal counsel. He is still serving in that capacity today. Two years after becoming the agency’s pro bono legal counsel, Jeff volunteered to give even more of his energy and time to the organization by joining the Board of Directors. He has served on the Board for almost 15 years serving twice each as Chair and Vice Chair prior to his current term as Chair of the Board.

Under Jeff’s leadership, the Crisis Center has expanded or added services agency-wide, increased funding levels from $1.6 million in fiscal year 1992 to $6.8 million in fiscal year 2006, and received several awards and major grants. Jeff was instrumental in the agency’s first venture into social entrepreneurship, by encouraging the transformation of one division of the agency, TransCare, from a Baker Act van service to a full-fledged Basic Life Support ambulance service.

Recognizing the importance of the United Way’s call to nonprofits to pursue social entrepreneurship, he provided the leadership and risk taking attitude required to raise operation capital for TransCare. This action required mortgaging the facility, which was a major break from the traditional attitude of nonprofits, but permitted TransCare’s startup and its successful development into a major funding source of the agency’s program.

The agency’s TransCare division now generates a surplus of over $600,000 per year. This significant level of funding is a direct result of Jeff’s vision and initiative. This surplus has allowed and will continue to allow the organization to continue to expand its services throughout the community.

During his time with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Jeff has donated more than $300,000 in pro bono legal work, secured corporate donations and recruited numerous other board members.