Steve Brown has been a leader in the advancement industry for the past twenty years. For the most recent ten years, he has led the University of South Dakota Foundation as the President and CEO. Brown is an exemplary leader who exhibits qualities of integrity, humility, collaboration, and inclusion. He has challenged our organization to be strategic, innovative, and bold to accomplish great things. His commitment to servant leadership underscores his approach to leading the foundation. He leads by example and is a strong advocate for the University of South Dakota, his staff, CASE, and the advancement profession. This advocacy shines through in his commitment to CASE as a member since 2013 and serving District VI as a cabinet member for the past five years. During that time, Steve was vital in promoting District VI: Mid-America to ensure the voices from those institutions were heard to advance those institutions and the profession.

Brown, a native of central Indiana, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Indiana State University. He worked in development for Junior Achievement, Wabash College, and Franklin College before returning to his alma mater in 2005 to serve first as assistant vice president and later vice president of development for the Indiana State University Foundation. Under his leadership, Brown served as the architect for Indiana State University’s first comprehensive campaign. In January of 2012, Brown was selected to lead the University of South Dakota Foundation as the President and CEO, leading the organization’s most extensive comprehensive campaign, Onward: The Campaign for South Dakota, which raised over $270 million for the University of South Dakota. Brown is a very active member in professional and community circles, providing executive leadership on various university committees and serving on the board of the economic development organization. He is always looking for opportunities to give back and help to advance the missions of organizations that impact campus and the community.