|
From Young Public Servant to Champion for Military and Veteran Caregivers: Meet Exceptional Nonprofit Leader Award Winner Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation
GlobalMindED is proud to introduce the remainder of the 2026 Exceptional Leader Award winners daily over the next couple of days. Read about these leaders and role models who stand out in their respective fields, inspiring their peers and the next generation that GlobalMindED serves. Meet them in Denver on June 10th at the awards dinner and hear them speak as part of 400+ speakers, 1,000+ attendees, and students at the GlobalMindED 2026 Conference, "Dimensions of our Democracy: Architecting the Next 250+ Years and Beyond," on June 11-12.
We are honored to recognize Steve Schwab as the Exceptional Leader Award winner in the Nonprofit category. CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, a nationally recognized leader advancing support for military and veteran caregivers, Schwab is grounded by a lifelong commitment to service and shaped by early leadership in public service. Known for a values-centered approach rooted in empathy, integrity, and generosity, he has expanded the Foundation’s reach, elevated caregiver voices, and helped position caregiving as a national priority—working to ensure those who care for our nation’s heroes are seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
What is your personal story - how did you find your purpose and your passion?
Growing up as one of seven boys in my family, I learned the value of collaboration, conflict resolution, empathy, and humility. I also have parents who deeply believe in service. Early in my career, I served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Rochester, my hometown, where I discovered that my true passion is supporting and empowering others.
Since that role, I have taken on political and nonprofit leadership positions for mission-driven organizations, including the National Cathedral. While there, my mentor encouraged me to read The Go-Giver, which profoundly shaped my approach, teaching me that success comes from giving, not getting, and highlighting the power of authenticity, integrity, and generosity in leadership. I have carried these lessons with me throughout my career.
What led you to the leadership role for which you are being recognized?
I began working with Senator Elizabeth Dole, whose focus on the millions of Americans caring for wounded, ill, or injured combat veterans aligned with my experience and interest in service, advocacy, and impact. Soon after meeting her, I became deeply involved in initiatives supporting military and veteran caregivers, leading coalitions toward breakthroughs in policy and advocacy that prioritized this community for the very first time.
As the seeds of this impact began to take root, our research forecasted that the caregiver crisis would continue to grow in scale and complexity in the coming years, with implications for civilian caregivers too.
To sustain and grow the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s mission, I was named as the Foundation’s first CEO, where I have vastly expanded programs, grown national awareness, built coalitions, influenced policy, and cast a vision for how we can make caregiver support a part of America’s culture.
As we celebrate America’s 250th, what is your highest hope for our democracy?
As we approach the milestone of our nation’s 250th birthday, my highest hope is that we recommit to the foundational principles that have long defined our democracy: civility, resilience, and a shared sense of responsibility. I am committed to elevating the importance of these values, recognizing that our greatest strength lies not only in the freedoms we cherish but also in the respect, empathy, and cooperation we extend to one another.
By fostering civil dialogue, embracing diverse perspectives, and standing resilient in the face of challenges, we ensure that our democracy continues to be not just a system of government, but a living reflection of the ideals that have carried us through centuries and will guide us into the future.
How can GlobalMindED inform, advance, and/or multiply your mission?
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s mission is to support and empower military caregivers, a community that cuts across demographics and often navigates immense responsibilities that keep them from remaining in the talent pipeline. GlobalMindED, with its deep expertise in leadership development, inclusive education, and cross-sector networks, presents a unique opportunity to inform, advance, and multiply EDF’s impact, particularly through pathways that educate caregivers and amplify their agency.
You can celebrate Steve Schwab and the other Honorees at the Exceptional Leader Awards Dinner on June 10th in Denver and hear insights from him during the conference that follows. Read our newsletter each day and register for the conference by January 31 for the Early Bird rate!
| 
