People

Steve Edwards

Managing Director

Connected Leadership, Managing Directors, Nonprofit and Social Impact

A highly accomplished leader and sought-after advisor to mission-driven leaders and organizations, Steve Edwards specializes in executive search for C-Suite roles and is co-leader of Diversified Search Group’s Connected Leadership™ practice.

As a search professional, Steve works closely with leaders and their teams to identify, recruit and support outstanding leaders across sectors, with particular expertise in media, communications, and policy contexts. Previous clients include Arizona PBS, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Interfaith America, Joyce Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Results for America, WBEZ, UN Global Compact Network USA and University of Chicago, among many others.

As Co-Leader of the Connected Leadership™ practice, he helps leaders improve their executive presence, strengthen professional networks, enhance reputations, convene and extend thought-leadership, ensure effective onboarding & transitions, cultivate authentic leadership, manage change, facilitate strategic conversations, and develop stronger, more effective boards.

Prior to joining Diversified Search Group, Steve served as Chief Content Officer and Interim CEO of WBEZ Chicago Public Media, Chicago’s NPR News station and the birthplace of such celebrated programs as “This American Life”, “Serial”, and “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me.”

During his tenure, Steve led an ambitious increase in original reporting and digital content, achieved record audience growth across platforms, and successfully completed a $30 million fundraising campaign.

From 2012 to 2017, Steve helped launch and lead the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics, a non-partisan program devoted to cultivating public service leadership. As Executive Director, he oversaw all programming and operational duties, including public events, professional fellowships, and the creation of CNN’s The Axe Files podcast.

Previously, Steve spent nearly 20 years as an award-winning journalist, producer, and program host. As a journalist, his work has appeared on the BBC, Bloomberg News, PBS, and numerous public radio stations around the United States.

Education

Executive Program for Emerging Leaders
University of Chicago Booth School of Business

BA, Political Science
Amherst College