Growing up in the Tampa Bay community, Mike Sutton was exposed to extreme poverty and the struggles of certain communities in the region through his work with the YMCA of Tampa. Although Sutton intended to go into federal law enforcement with a criminal justice degree, he quickly became focused on how he could make an impact working with children and families struggling to make ends meet.
His career has been focused on nonprofits with roles at Central City YMCA, Habitat for Humanity in Texas, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. In 2014, he assumed the role of president and chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas, West Pasco and Hernando counties.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization with a mission to put God’s love into action and to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope.
Under Sutton’s leadership, the organization has grown from $5 million in revenue to $35+ million in revenue, increased annual employment from 19 individuals to 70, and is now building 80+ homes annually from 20 homes. Since 2017, this Habitat affiliate has been one of the top three largest affiliates in the U.S. network based on new home construction. Understanding the benefits and requirements of CRA (Community Redevelopment Area) credits that banks often need, Sutton established a partnership with Raymond James Financial early on in his role as chief executive officer.
Mike is a genuine connector. He creates meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships in every capacity he has held in his career, and prior, said his staff. His skill for relationship building is his superpower, and it impacts our community in many ways.
An active member of the community, Sutton is a member of the Valspar Championship Copperheads, the University of South Florida Alumni Association, the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity Education Foundation, and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. He has served on the board of directors for the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay, the Habitat for Humanity State Association of Florida, and the Pinellas Park Chamber of Commerce. He serves on the board of directors for Amplify Clearwater, formerly known as the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, which he chaired in 2020.
As a leader, Sutton believes in the power of being courageous and humble. A bold leader can articulate and execute a vision that inspires collaboration even when others do not yet see the vision, he said. Leaders that understand humility listen well, they inspire others to contribute to their cause, and they are accessible.
