CASSIUS F. BUTTS Trusted Advisor - Strategist
CASSIUS F. BUTTS Trusted Advisor - Strategist


Cassius has worked along side domestic and international heads of state, presidents and CEOs. He understands the importance for creating pipeline opportunities for aspiring professionals and enjoys mentoring and advising mid-career professionals. Cassius serves on the WellStar Health System Institutional Review Board, the National Black MBA Association, the Florida 8a Association and is a member of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta.
In 2020, Cassius was appointed to serve on the Georgia Economic Development Board. He also was appointed to serve as chairman of the Fort McPherson Local Redevelopment Authority the previous year. In 2019, he was invited to serve on the Morehouse College department of Business & Economics Board of Advisors. He also serves as a Trustee to Morris Brown College. Cassius is a proud graduate of Morehouse College (BA), Clark Atlanta University (MPA), and obtained a Grant Writing certificate from Emory University's - Osher Life Long Learning Institute. Cassius thrives on sharing his experience and knowledge to help others succeed with determination, transparency and integrity.
Cassius 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 Reports in 2018.
The former regional administrator for the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) was appointed by
President Barack Obama in 2011. During his tenure 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 dollars 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.
Cassius is the president & CEO of 1st Choice Credit Union headquartered in Atlanta, GA (www.1stchoicecu.org). 1st Choice is a certified CDFI that serves over 9,000 members with 200 shared locations.
He is also 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. He also was appointed to serve as a Consumer Advocate for the Georgia Board of Cemeterians.
In addition, Cassius served on transition team for Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms along with other executives and CEO's such as Delta Airlines, UPS, NYSE to name a few.
talk to Cassius is a weekly media program focused on business, sports and entertainment topics. It is designed to welcome executives, entrepreneurs, professional athletes and creatives to its platform.