Bosses for Babies

How This Boss Makes an Impact for Children in Florida

At Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, supporting families — both the ones they serve and the ones who serve with them — is core to their culture.

Employees receive 25 days of paid time off each year, 18 paid holidays, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s. The organization covers 100% of employee health insurance premiums, with the option to add dependents at a reduced cost.

When employees expand their families through birth, adoption, or foster care placement, Habitat provides four weeks of paid parental leave for both full- and part-time staff. Benefits continue at the same rate during that time, and leaders work with returning parents to create flexible, graduated return-to-work schedules. Private space and paid break time are provided for nursing mothers for up to one year after birth.

Additional benefits include $1,000-per-semester childcare reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) match, and a new sabbatical program for 10- and 15-year employees — reflecting Habitat’s belief that strong families build strong communities.

Bio

Mike Sutton is the President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, a role he has held since March 2014. Under his leadership, the $41M nonprofit has become one of the top Habitat affiliates in the U.S., focusing on building and purchasing affordable housing in Pinellas, West Pasco, and Hernando Counties. 

With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Mike is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and has held leadership positions at Big Brothers Big Sisters, the YMCA, and Habitat for Humanity in Texas. He earned a BA from the University of South Florida and completed his Certificate in Fundraising Management at Indiana University.
 

Mike has been recognized on the Tampa Bay Business Journal's Power100 list for five years and received several awards, including the 2023 Philanthropist of the Year and the 2024 Nonprofit CEO of the Year. He is involved with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and serves on several boards, including the CEO Council of Tampa Bay and the Habitat for Humanity State Association of Florida.