This February, Employment Connection is celebrating Black History Month by honoring local leaders in the St. Louis region. Today we recognize Michael Butler, Recorder of Deeds for the City of St. Louis and Chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party.
Michael is the first African-American ever elected in both positions. A native of St. Louis, Michael was first elected to Recorder in 2018, and as Chair of the Missouri Democratic Party in 2020. Prior to his time in City Hall, he represented part of St. Louis City (District 79) in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2013-2018.
Prior to his political success, Butler gained valuable work experience in the legislature while serving as the Legislative Aide in the office of State Senator Robin Wright-Jones, and as the Legislative Assistant to State Rep. Mary Wynne Still. During his 2012 campaign, he worked as an educator in the St. Louis Public School System. In addition, Butler has valuable private sector experience while employed as a manager at the home office of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Butler holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Alabama A&M University, where he also served as Student Government President and as a Board of Trustee member. While working in the legislature, he also obtained a master’s degree in Public Affairs from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He has also served in several leadership positions including Missouri House Democratic Caucus Chair and St. Louis City Democratic Central Committee Chair.
Michael is the proud owner of Open Concept, a popular bar in the Grove in St. Louis, MO. He lives in the Gate District Neighborhood with his wife Erin and they have two daughters, Kimber and Karis.