Butch Hughes
Frank P. “Butch” Hughes, III arrived in the Upstate in June 2006 to assume the role of president and general manager of the Independent Mail. Later that year, he was named the publisher and served as the paper’s advertising director. After a distinguished 31-year career with the E.W. Scripps & Co. which began at the Knoxville News Sentinel following his graduation from the University of Tennessee, Butch retired at the end of 2010. His career took him, his wife Cindy, and their daughter Haley to various parts of the country, building a legacy of leadership and community engagement at each stop.
As a newspaper publisher, Butch embraced the opportunity to serve as a community leader, a commitment that didn’t end with his retirement. He continues to play an active role in numerous organizations across the region, including Boulevard Baptist Church, the Rotary Club of Anderson (and the Rotary District), Anderson University, the AnMed Foundation Board, the Camellia Ball, Anderson Meals on Wheels, the Anderson Chamber of Commerce, Innovate Anderson, Senior Solutions, and the Brighter Christmas Fund through the Foothills Community Foundation. He and Cindy also dedicate their time and energy to many other nonprofit initiatives in the community.
Reflecting on his upbringing in Tennessee, Butch has said, “I understand the importance of charitable giving. Neighbor helping neighbor – a valuable lesson I learned growing up in Tennessee.” This ethos of generosity and service has become a way of life for Butch and his family. They take a hands-on approach to giving, sharing their time and resources to make a difference.
In their retirement years, Butch and Cindy have chosen to make the Upstate their home, continuing to embody the principle of “neighbors helping neighbors” that has guided them throughout their lives. The community is fortunate to have their passion and dedication enriching the lives of others.