Steve Votaw brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in nonprofit organizations serving youth and families impacted by behavioral health challenges, substance abuse, homelessness, and poverty. Over the course of his career, Steve has led complex, mission-driven organizations through periods of growth, change, and increased community impact.
Most recently, Steve served as CEO of the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio, where he advanced the organization’s mission to provide gently used furniture to families affected by homelessness, eviction, behavioral health challenges, and natural disasters. Prior to that role, he served as CEO of Directions for Youth & Families and Executive Director of Learn4Life, working extensively with teens struggling with substance abuse, individuals with severe mental health challenges, and families in underserved urban communities. Earlier in his career, Steve also spent five years administering community mental health and substance abuse programs for the City of Cleveland and the Mills Center in Marysville.
A proven and effective fundraiser, Steve successfully grew organizational capacity and sustainability throughout his tenure as CEO. Under his leadership, Directions for Youth & Families expanded its annual budget from $800,000 to more than $8 million, while the Furniture Bank grew from $1.5 million to over $5 million. He also led four successful capital campaigns and launched multiple social enterprises that strengthened long-term organizational stability.
Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kent State University and a Master of Science degree from Youngstown State University. He currently serves on the Jonathan Alder Local School District Board of Education and the board of Form5 Prosthetics. His past leadership includes service as Chair of the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County and membership on the Governor’s Task Force on Juvenile Justice, the Ohio Attorney General’s Victims of Gang Violence Task Force, and the Ohio Department of Mental Health Cultural Competency Assessment Team. In 2021, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award as one of Business First’s Most Admired Executives.
Steve lives in Plain City with his wife and enjoys spending time with their four children and ten grandchildren, as well as golfing, basketball, and traveling.
