“All Problems and All Solutions Are People Problems and People Solutions.”
Steven D. Kovacs is a transformational business leader, growth strategist, and operational executive whose nearly three decades of experience have positioned him as a respected authority in industrial manufacturing, metals, construction, distribution, and infrastructure markets. Throughout his career, Steven has built a reputation for combining strategic vision with disciplined execution, helping organizations unlock growth, improve profitability, strengthen cultures, and navigate complex business challenges. His leadership journey reflects a consistent commitment to developing people, driving innovation, and creating sustainable value for stakeholders.
Currently serving as President of Unistrut Construction, Steven leads one of the industry’s most recognized construction solutions organizations, overseeing strategic growth initiatives, customer engagement, and operational performance. His appointment to this role represents the culmination of a career defined by progressively larger leadership responsibilities, extensive P&L management, and a proven ability to deliver measurable results across highly competitive business environments. His work continues to influence the evolution of modern construction and infrastructure solutions while helping organizations adapt to rapidly changing market demands.
Prior to becoming President, Steven spent more than eight years with Atkore, a global manufacturer of electrical, safety, and infrastructure solutions with billions of dollars in annual revenue. During his tenure, he served in several executive leadership positions, including Vice President of Commercial Operations, General Manager and Vice President of the Security Business Unit, Director of Sales and Estimating, and Director of Sales for Construction. These roles provided him with broad responsibility across commercial strategy, business development, sales leadership, operational management, and organizational transformation.
As Vice President and General Manager of Atkore’s Security Business Unit, Steven demonstrated exceptional business leadership by transforming a moderately performing division into one of the company’s most profitable operations within a remarkably short period. Under his direction, the business exceeded EBITDA expectations, launched innovative new products, consolidated operations for greater efficiency, and significantly improved margins through strategic customer and channel partnerships. His ability to align strategy, talent, operations, and customer needs became a hallmark of his leadership style and contributed substantially to the organization’s overall success.
Steven’s commercial leadership at Atkore also extended into some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated construction and data center projects. Working with industry leaders such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Meta, Oracle, QTS, CloudHQ, and other hyperscale operators, he helped spearhead innovative solutions involving modular construction, offsite manufacturing, and next-generation cooling technologies. His efforts resulted in major project wins representing more than 14 gigawatts of campus development and reinforced his reputation as a forward-thinking executive capable of identifying and capitalizing on emerging market opportunities.
Before joining Atkore, Steven held leadership positions with Gerdau, one of the world’s largest steel producers. As Director of Strategy Development and Sales Manager for North America, he played a pivotal role in redefining the company’s commercial strategy and market approach. Leading a cross-functional team that included internal executives, industry experts, and management consultants, Steven helped create a scalable go-to-market framework that generated substantial revenue opportunities and laid the foundation for future growth. His work included market segmentation, competitive analysis, product innovation, customer acquisition strategies, and organizational alignment initiatives that strengthened the company’s market position.
One of Steven’s most notable strengths is his ability to identify opportunities where others see obstacles. During his time at Gerdau, he spearheaded multiple product development initiatives with projected annual revenue potential exceeding $500 million and secured critical contracts through newly developed sales and customer engagement models. His strategic mindset and disciplined execution helped establish repeatable processes that could be expanded throughout the organization, demonstrating his ability to create systems that generate lasting value beyond individual projects.
Steven also spent more than seven years with AM Castle & Co., a global metals distributor serving industries including aerospace, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, and industrial automation. In a variety of executive roles, including Regional General Manager, Oil & Gas General Manager, and General Sales Manager, he managed operations generating more than $120 million in annual revenue while overseeing large teams across multiple geographic locations. His responsibilities encompassed strategic planning, operational excellence, sales leadership, workforce development, supply chain optimization, and financial performance management.
Throughout his tenure at Castle Metals, Steven consistently delivered exceptional results. He improved profitability, streamlined transportation networks, enhanced operational efficiencies, negotiated key contracts, and successfully led organizational restructuring efforts. His leadership was particularly impactful within the company’s Oil & Gas division, where he achieved significant revenue growth, increased margins, improved delivery performance, and strengthened customer relationships with some of the industry’s largest and most demanding organizations. These experiences further developed his expertise in managing complex industrial operations while balancing customer expectations, employee engagement, and shareholder value.
Earlier in his career, Steven spent nearly seven years with Corus International Americas, now Tata Steel, where he held leadership positions in business development and product management. During this period, he gained valuable experience in mergers and acquisitions, international business development, joint ventures, enterprise technology implementation, market analysis, and strategic planning. He successfully led initiatives spanning multiple countries, developed new market opportunities, and contributed to global business strategies that enhanced the organization’s competitive position. His international exposure and experience working across diverse markets provided him with a global perspective that continues to influence his leadership approach today.
Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Steven has maintained a strong commitment to leadership development, education, and community engagement. He served as Co-Chair of the 8th Annual Kellogg Career and Leadership Symposium, one of the largest executive development events in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, helping connect professionals with thought leaders and career advancement opportunities. He has also been actively involved in alumni organizations, youth sports coaching, and numerous advisory and governance activities throughout his career. These experiences reflect his belief that leadership extends beyond organizational boundaries and carries a responsibility to develop others and strengthen communities.
Steven’s governance experience is both extensive and unique. Early in his career, he served as a Trustee of Northern Illinois University, appointed by the Governor of Illinois to help oversee one of the state’s largest public universities. He also served as an elected Commissioner on the DeKalb County Board, where he participated in legislative decisions involving planning, zoning, transportation, public safety, and economic development. These experiences provided him with firsthand exposure to board governance, fiduciary oversight, stakeholder management, and public accountability, complementing the executive leadership skills he developed throughout his corporate career.
Academically, Steven earned his Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s prestigious Kellogg School of Management, concentrating in Finance, Economics, and Analytical Consulting. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Northern Illinois University, where he graduated with honors. His educational foundation, combined with professional certifications including Six Sigma training and advanced sales methodologies, has strengthened his ability to evaluate complex business challenges through both analytical and practical lenses.
Today, Steven is actively pursuing board service opportunities where he can leverage his broad experience to help organizations grow, innovate, and achieve long-term success. He is particularly interested in industrial manufacturing, metals, construction, infrastructure, distribution, and mission-driven nonprofit organizations focused on hunger relief, children’s advocacy, and community development. He is passionate about helping organizations move beyond planning into meaningful action and believes that sustainable success is achieved through strong leadership, effective governance, and empowered people.
At the center of Steven’s leadership philosophy is a simple yet powerful belief: all problems and all solutions are fundamentally about people. Whether leading a multi-site industrial operation, developing a growth strategy, transforming a business unit, or serving a community organization, he consistently focuses on building trust, fostering accountability, developing talent, and creating environments where individuals and organizations can thrive. This people-centered approach has been a defining characteristic of his career and continues to guide his leadership today.
Character:
Steven demonstrates integrity through his commitment to accountability, ethical leadership, and delivering results that create value for all stakeholders. He consistently places people at the center of decision-making and believes strong relationships are the foundation of sustainable success. His dedication to mentoring, community service, and leadership development reflects a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.
Knowledge:
He possesses deep expertise in industrial manufacturing, metals, construction, distribution, strategic planning, and operational leadership. His experience spans global organizations, public corporations, growth-stage initiatives, and complex commercial environments. He combines practical operational experience with advanced business education, enabling him to evaluate challenges from both strategic and analytical perspectives.
Strategic:
Steven has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to identify growth opportunities, develop actionable strategies, and execute transformational initiatives. He excels at aligning people, processes, and resources to achieve ambitious objectives while maintaining operational discipline. His track record includes market expansion, organizational restructuring, product innovation, acquisitions, and large-scale business transformations.
Communication:
An effective communicator who builds alignment among executives, employees, customers, and stakeholders. He has led major presentations, industry events, board discussions, and strategic initiatives throughout his career. His ability to simplify complex challenges and inspire action allows him to unite teams around a shared vision and drive meaningful results.
