For more than 40 years Brabson has helped build a better tomorrow for the Tampa Bay region through his business success in providing leadership and growth to the Lykes family business and through People's Gas. He also helps out through community efforts in serving on boards of the American Cancer Society, United Way Suncoast, St. Joseph's Hospital, Metropolitan Ministries and many others.
After moving to Tampa in 1976, Brabson became the CEO and President of People's Gas and in 1999 became the chairman of Lyke Bros. Inc. As a businessman in the Tampa Bay area, Brabson felt an obligation to become an architect of the community to make it a better place to live. He served as chair for the Tampa Bay Partnership, a group he credits with unifying the region. Brabson also provided leadership as a board member during pivotal times at Tampa General Hospital.
Brabson becomes the 444th Lightning Community Hero since Jeff and Penny Vinik introduced the Lightning Community Hero program in 2011-12 with a $10 million, five-season commitment to the Tampa Bay community. Through today's game, in total, the Lightning Foundation has granted $23.25 million to more than 750 different nonprofits in the Greater Tampa Bay area. During the summer of 2016, the Viniks announced that the community hero program will give away another $10 million over the next five seasons.
