Since 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been matching youth in meaningful, enduring, professionally supported mentoring relationships with adult volunteers who defend their potential and help them achieve their biggest possible futures. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships.
ARTIS STEVENS, PRESIDENT & CEO
As incoming president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Stevens brings 25 years of leadership in the positive youth development sector. With a diverse background in bridging innovative marketing, fundraising and program strategies, Stevens has generated awareness and revenue to drive greater impact for youth, families, and communities in need. His passion for building purpose-driven brands and cultivating boards and talent has inspired partnerships with more than 60 of the most well-known brands in the country.
Highly skilled in developing innovative marketing strategies at the grassroots and national levels, Stevens brings a diverse mix of expertise in marketing strategy, partnership development, influencer engagement, and brand management positioning him as a sought-after speaker on revitalizing nonprofit brands, infusing brand culture, and converting marketing to engagement.
Over the past six years Stevens served as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of National 4-H Council, leading the organization’s brand positioning, alumni and marketing campaigns, digital transformation and local engagement efforts.
Before joining 4-H, Stevens served as national Vice President, Marketing, Strategy & Operations at Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) where his most notable accomplishment was spearheading BGCA’s most impactful brand awareness and fundraising campaign launch to date – Great Futures Start Here.
During Stevens’ tenure at National 4-H Council and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, his ability to reimagine organizations and marketing and fundraising streams contributed to more than $100 million raised, $150 million in media and transformed local engagement across the two national youth organizations.
Recognized across non-profit and marketing industries as a proven visionary leader and strategist, Stevens was named American Marketing Association Foundation’s (AMAF) 2018 National Nonprofit Marketer of the Year, the highest honor bestowed by the AMA/AMAF on non-profit marketing professionals for his leadership in revitalizing 4-H’s 100-year-old brand image.
Stevens and his wife, Erica, are the proud parents of two daughters and actively serve in their community. Stevens serves as Board Director of Friends School of Atlanta, is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and an engaged alumnus of the University of Georgia.