JA Worldwide Board of Governors Spotlight: Steve Sear
February 23, 2020
Growing up in a Chicago, Illinois, suburb, Steve Sear didn’t know that, one day, he’d set foot on all seven continents—including Antarctica. Before the many great adventures Steve experienced as an adult, he attended DePauw University, where he studied economics and mathematics. Having prioritized a small-school environment and a liberal arts education, he took to heart his parents’ mantra that “education is critical.” With a BA in his pocket, he worked for a crisis management consulting firm, helping financially distressed businesses across the United States. He loved the work he did, but he’d realized as an undergraduate that earning an MBA would help him gain more technical business skills and leadership training, so that’s exactly what he did after a few years in the workforce.
A career in the airline industry gave Steve the opportunity to travel the world. “I joined the industry because it is competitive, complex, and global,” Steve said. Those attributes remain today, which keeps him excited about his job. After completing his MBA at the University of Chicago, Steve joined Northwest Airlines, which put more than a few stamps in his passport and even gave him the opportunity to live and work in Tokyo. When Delta Air Lines acquired Northwest in 2009, Steve stayed with the merged organization and today serves as Executive Vice President – Global Sales for Delta Air Lines.
As a member of the JA Worldwide Board of Governors, Steve helps guide the overall JA strategy, helps the organization make connections in the business world to expand offerings, and helps ensure a sustainable and sound financial footing. Although he didn’t participate in JA growing up (“I wish I had,” he says), Steve believes strongly in the mission. Having grown up watching his father’s 45-year career in construction management, Steve says, “I always leaned toward business. I’ll never forget ‘bring your child to work’ days, walking around bustling downtown Chicago amid the skyscrapers. It still makes me smile.” And now he gets to help JA bring those experiences to young people around the world. “I believe in the JA mission and hope to expand Delta’s involvement around the globe to help achieve JA’s ambitious growth goals. I am continually impressed with the talent and passion of the JA leadership and board.”
JA Worldwide is honored to have Steve Sear serve on our Board of Governors.