Stephen’s early career included work as a documentary filmmaker in Latin America; co-owner of a jazz cafe in Vancouver, executive positions with the BC SPCA, and work with a children’s troubadour and advocate.
In 2003 he joined the McConnell Foundation, serving as CEO from 2011 to 2020. Under his stewardship the foundation applied social innovation and solutions finance to regenerative partnerships with Indigenous organizations, governments, financial and academic institutions, and civil society. He was involved in creating Canada’s $755 million Social Finance Fund, and co-founded the Transition Accelerator.
In 2022, McGill University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. He lives in Victoria and is an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria’s Gustavson School of Business.