John Butler

John Butler’s legacy in the insurance industry spans more than six decades, marked by innovation, mentorship, and a steadfast commitment to service, growth, and community. He joined Cottingham & Butler in 1957 as one of just three employees in the family business. Under his leadership and vision, the company has grown into one of the largest privately held insurance brokerages in the United States, with more than 1,300 employees and offices across the country.

Butler’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the development of several alternative market facilities in claims administration, health, managed care, and safety services. In 1981, he founded Self Insured Services Company, a pioneering move that helped employers manage healthcare costs more effectively. His long-term vision and client-first philosophy have shaped Cottingham & Butler’s culture and success for generations. Today, the firm is recognized as a national leader in insurance brokerage, risk management, and employee benefits.

Throughout his career, Butler served as a director and executive committee member for both Assurex Global and the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers. He also chaired the Iowa Association of Business and Industry and was actively involved in numerous industry associations. Known for his belief in building from within, Butler championed a culture of continuous learning and mentorship, helping to launch countless careers in the insurance industry. His approach to leadership emphasized hiring young talent, investing in their development, and empowering them to lead.

Butler earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Babson College and an MBA with a concentration in Insurance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He also served as a supply officer in the U.S. Navy at the end of the Korean War, an experience that shaped his leadership style and sense of discipline.

A lifelong resident of Dubuque, Iowa, Butler has been deeply involved in his community, serving on numerous boards and supporting a wide range of philanthropic initiatives. Most recently, he and his wife, Alice, donated $60 million to the University of Dubuque to establish the John and Alice Butler College of Osteopathic Medicine, set to open in 2028.

John Butler’s life and career exemplify the values of service, innovation, and leadership that define the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame.