Stephen was one of the largest investors and key developmental influencers of Seeds of Change, an organic seed and food company and was President of the company from 1995-2004 when he became the Global Director of Corporate Affairs for Mars, Incorporated. Under his leadership, Mars launched a global sustainability program, a global health and nutrition work stream that is based on information, renovation and innovation, and branded the corporation Mars globally. 

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In March of 2008, Stephen joined the Mars, Incorporated Board and became Chairman in March of 2011, serving in the role for its term of three years. As Chairman he oversaw the creation of the first ever 25 year Vision for Mars, Inc., significantly evolved the Board to be more strategic and intentional, and successfully led the succession process for a new CEO. In March 2017 he assumed the role again (rotating off again in March of 2020) having overseen the creation of the first Purpose for the company in its history (“The world we want tomorrow starts with the how we do business today.”) as well as having stewarded the creation of the Compass, a four quadrant model that sets targets which include non-financial metrics like positive societal impact with the Purpose at its center. 

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Other boards include The Association for Traditional Arts, the Muscle Shoals Music Foundation, the Economics of Mutuality Foundation, and Santa Fe Preparatory School. Advisor roles include Bruvi and Regeneration.

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Stephen also produced “Muscle Shoals” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013 to a standing ovation.

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Stephen attended Duke University and Reed College, and, in 1992, graduated from Union Institute in Cincinnati, OH with a BA in Anthropology.