WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Elizabeth Dole announced today that Steve Schwab has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. Established in 2012, the Foundation has far surpassed its initial goals for measuring the effects of military caregiving in the United States and awakening the nation to the military caregiver crisis. Schwab, who has been serving as executive director, will spearhead the Foundation as it continues to lead the way as the country’s preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring military and veteran caregivers, America’s hidden heroes.
“Through his exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to our mission, Steve has been one of the primary drivers of our Foundation’s success, from engaging our nation’s leaders and advocating for historic legislation, to generating support across all sectors and making America’s military caregiver crisis a national issue,” said Senator Dole. “Naming Steve as our Foundation’s CEO recognizes the outstanding progress he has generated as we have worked together on behalf of military caregivers, and his rise as a national leader and voice for veterans and the hidden heroes caring for them.”
Schwab has led the Foundation staff, programs, development, and partnerships for three years as executive director. He has been integral to the launch and growth of Hidden Heroes, a national awareness campaign chaired by Tom Hanks; establishment of the Hidden Heroes Cities program, now comprised of 128 cities across the U.S.; expansion of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers to caregivers of every war era; and the development of a strong partnership with the VA that has led to the establishment of an Annual National Convening that brings together experts, policymakers, advocates and caregivers. At the close of 2018, Schwab managed the Foundation’s inaugural signature fundraising event, Heroes and History Makers: An Evening with Elizabeth and Bob Dole, which generated $1.7 million.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “It is a privilege to congratulate Steve Schwab on this well-deserved recognition of his tireless efforts on behalf of military and veteran caregivers across the country. As a Co-Founder of the Congressional Hidden Heroes Caucus, I know how crucial the work of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation is as we stand with military families and their caregivers. Through Steve’s leadership as CEO, the work of the Foundation will continue to make a major impact across the country as we strengthen America’s military by ensuring they have strong and stable support systems at home. House Democrats look forward to our continued work together and thank Steve and the entire team at the Foundation for their dedication and unwavering commitment to military families.”
Prior to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Schwab served as head of external affairs for the National Cathedral, overseeing fundraising, marketing and communications. He came to the Washington, DC area after serving as Vice President for Development at the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Previously, he was Deputy Chief of Staff to Rochester, N.Y. Mayor Robert J. Duffy and head of corporate development and relations for Rochester Institute of Technology. Schwab started his career in New York City where he first worked in politics and then served subsequently as Special Assistant to the President and Director of Development for the New York City Partnership and Chamber of Commerce.
Schwab noted, “Senator Dole is the consummate servant leader, and it is an honor and privilege to carry out her vision and support her as she has rallied our nation around military caregivers,” said Schwab. “In this new role, I look forward to working with Senator Dole, our staff, Dole Caregiver Fellows, and caregivers nationwide to build upon the tremendous progress we have made and ensure the Foundation continues to serve as a beacon of hope and an unwavering source of support, advocacy and comfort to millions of military caregivers for generations to come.”
