Joseph Michael Butler Jr. was born August 18, 1967 in the City of Watertown, son of Joseph M. and Nancy Flynn Butler Sr. He graduated in 1985 from Immaculate Heart Central, received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from St. Lawrence University in 1989 and an MBA from LeMoyne College in 1999. Employed by Community Investment Services as a financial consultant beginning in 1997, he is licensed to sell securities and is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary.
He served two terms on the City Council from 2007 until 2015 when he was elected Mayor. He was a member of the Watertown Empire Zone from 2009 to present, serving as Chairman of that board and was President of the Watertown Local Development Corporation. He served as treasurer of the Sacred Heart Foundation from 2006 to 2015 and was a former adjunct professor at Jefferson Community College.
Elected Mayor of the City of Watertown in November of 2015, Mr. Butler Jr. was a second-generation Mayor, following in his father’s footsteps. They are the only father and son to serve as Mayor.
During his term, he was instrumental in obtaining funds from New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) for Watertown. The DRI allowed the City of Watertown to strengthen its position as the primary hub of commerce and culture for Jefferson County, as well as neighboring counties, drawing residents from surrounding areas to its downtown assets and attracting visitor spending from seasonal residents and tourists.
In January 2020, he was sworn in as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, a volunteer position which advises and supports the Army secretary on issues affecting the North Country.
He married Sandie Tackley and the couple had two daughters, Allyson Butler and Margaret “Maggie” Butler.
