In the News

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CEO heads back to school, helps change the lives of students

January 19, 2021

West Tampa Elementary School Principal Kevin Kastner and the president of PrimeGroup Insurance, Ed Ellsasser, are proud of the mural on the back wall at the school.

“The mural says ‘work hard and be nice,’” said Principal Kastner. “That’s all we ask of our kids. We want them to come here. We want them to work hard. We want them to be nice to one another and that they can achieve anything that they want.”

Ellsasser is part of CEOs in Schools, a group of business executives that volunteer their time and treasure to help students succeed.

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Kim Jowell-CEOs in Schools 

December 16, 2020

Kim Jowell, the CEO of Hillsborough Education Foundation, joined AM Tampa to discuss CEOs in Schools. Hillsborough Education Foundation in partnership with Vistra Communications and Hillsborough County Public Schools have teamed up for CEOs in Schools.

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Commentary: Calling business leaders to commit to young learners, teachers 

November 24, 2020

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela. 

These words ring especially true as our society reflects on the integral role our educators play in shaping and positively influencing our children. This entire year has thrust our society into uncertainty and angst; our school systems are no different.

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Hundreds of CEOs spend a day at Hillsborough public schools

November 3, 2019

Nearly 180 Tampa Bay area CEOs volunteered for an entire day on Oct. 18 at Hillsborough County public elementary schools. The new educational initiative, CEOs in Schools, is a Vistra Communications (Vistra)-spurred ambition designed to inspire youth. Vistra is a Tampa Bay-based public relations and marketing agency.

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Business Leaders Sought for Hillsborough County CEOs in Schools Initiative

August 23, 2019

On Oct. 18, nearly 180 Tampa Bay area CEOs will volunteer an entire day at Hillsborough County public elementary schools as part of a new educational initiative, CEOs in Schools.

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Woodland Johnson and Brian Butler Talk CEOs in Schools on Spectrum News 9’s In Depth Segment

August 22, 2019

A lesson in business brought to the classroom. Vistra Communications’ Brian Butler and Hillsborough County Public Schools’ Woodland Johnson discuss the joint educational initiative, CEOs in Schools.

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Jeff Eakins and Brian Butler Talk CEOs in Schools on AM Tampa Bay

August 16, 2019

Brian Butler President, CEO and founder of Vistra Communications, LLC (Vistra) and Superintendent Jeff Eakins, Hillsborough County Public Schools, joined AM Tampa Bay to discuss Tampa Bay area CEOs who will volunteer an entire day at Hillsborough County public elementary schools on October 18, 2019. The goal is to have CEOs experience what educators and students do on a day to day basis so that they will have a new perspective on what goes into preparing students for success in the future workforce.

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Top executives sought for CEOs in Schools initiative in Hillsborough

August 9, 2019

As many as 180 Tampa Bay area CEOs will volunteer an entire day at Hillsborough County public elementary schools as part of a new educational initiative, CEOs in Schools. On Oct. 18, CEOs or most-senior executives interested in participating will visit, teach and engage with students in the school system. One hundred are signed up, and it needs 80 more.

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New Program Invites CEOs To Spend A Day At Local Schools

August 2, 2019

Local business people have the opportunity to receive a unique look at area schools this fall thanks to a new program.

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Hooper: Butler partners with Hillsborough Schools to launch CEOs in Schools program

July 22, 2019

For three years, Vistra CEO Brian Butler lent counsel to the faculty and staff of Mort Elementary School. Now he’s trying to help other business leaders make a difference.

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CEOs in Schools: Connecting Today’s Executives with Tomorrow’s Leaders

July 12, 2019

In a first of its kind program, local senior executives and CEOs will team up with the “CEO” at our schools – the principal – to see, hear and do the things that our public school teachers, staff and students experience every day.

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CEOs In Schools Seeking Volunteers

June 4, 2019

Vistra Communications, in partnership with Hillsborough County Schools, is launching an initiative that brings CEOs from the Tampa Bay area into Hillsborough County schools for a day of volunteering. On October 18, 2019, nearly 180 CEOs will volunteer for a day at Hillsborough County elementary schools to make an impact in the lives of students and the community.

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Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.
– Malcolm X