Steve Schwab
Steve Schwab is a national leader in military healthcare and a passionate champion for military and veteran caregivers, their veterans, and families. As a widely sought after expert on these issues, Steve has closely advised the White House and policy makers, leaders and organizations in every sector, testified before Congress, addressed audiences across the globe, and represented the concerns of military families in national media appearances, including on NBC's TODAY, 60 Minutes, Fox & Friends, NPR, and many others.
As CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Steve spearheads the country's preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring military and veteran caregivers. Since 2014, he has dynamically grown and developed the Foundation from its start-up phase into an established national nonprofit responsible for some of the most impactful reforms, programs, and legislative and regulatory solutions to the challenges facing military families.
Steve has led the Foundation as it launched the Hidden Heroes campaign, established the Hidden Heroes Cities & Counties program, successfully championed the expansion of the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, and created Heroes & History Makers, a signature fundraising event that has raised millions of dollars for caregiver resources. In 2021, Steve led the launch of the Hidden Helpers Coalition, bringing together the White House and more than 80 public and private organizations to support the children in military and veteran caregiving families. In 2022, the Foundation expanded its no-cost national respite program and launched a new critical financial assistance program for caregivers.
In 2021, Steve was named by the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dennis McDonough to serve on the Veterans' Family, Caregiver, and Survivor Federal Advisory Committee. Under Steve's leadership, the Foundation has taken on a critical role leading the coalition for Face the Fight, a USAA led initiative to significantly reduce veteran suicide. Steve is also an Executive Producer of two films documenting the lives and service of young people stepping up as caregivers, the Academy Award qualifying Sky Blossom and Hidden Wounds.
Steve is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of PsychArmor, the nation's premier non-profit for providing free education and support for all Americans to engage effectively with the military community. He also chairs the Fundraising and Engagement Committee for Whitman-Walker Health, whose mission is to offer affirming community-based health and wellness services to all with a special expertise in LGBTQ and HIV care. Additionally, Steve serves on the Board of Prisoner Visitation and Support, which offers people incarcerated in federal prison regular, face-to-face contact with the world outside to help them cope with prison life and prepare for a successful re-entry into society.
Previously, Steve was head of external affairs for the National Cathedral, overseeing fundraising, marketing, and communications for the nation's spiritual home. He has raised hundreds of millions of dollars from individuals, foundations, and corporations across his career and is an expert on nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, campaigns, and coalition building.
Steve came to Washington, D.C. after serving in three senior leadership roles in his hometown of Rochester, N.Y. He was Vice President for Development at the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra after serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to Rochester Mayor Robert J. Duffy and as head of corporate development and relations for Rochester Institute of Technology. Steve started his career in politics in New York City, then subsequently served as Special Assistant to the President and Director of Development for the New York City Partnership and Chamber of Commerce.