Steve Evans

Steve Evans is a lifelong North Carolinian and dedicated public servant, husband, father, and Papa born and raised in Rocky Mount, NC. His commitment to community service began early with appointments to the Rocky Mount Human Relations Board (1994) and the Planning Board (1997), where he served as Chair for five years. After relocating to Knightdale in 2010, Steve continued his civic engagement as Chair of the Knightdale Land Use Review Board before being elected to the Knightdale Town Council in 2021. He now serves as Mayor Pro Tem, championing smart growth policies, equitable housing, and sustainability strategies for one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing municipalities.

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Beyond his elected service, Steve is a purpose-driven executive with more than 25 years of experience leading transformational initiatives across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors. Steve’s career includes leadership roles at Smithfield Foods, Cypress Creek Renewables, Bechtel Infrastructure and Power, and the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, where he pioneered community and social engagement strategies, launched nationally recognized apprenticeship programs, championed renewable energy solutions, and administered nationwide economic relief programs.

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Widely recognized for his commitment to social innovation, equity, and sustainability, Steve has been honored as a Forbes 50 Culture Champion where he was recognized alongside honorees such as Issa Raye, Dwayne Wade and Colin Kapernick. A World Sustainability Congress Award winner, and a Business North Carolina Power List honoree (2023, 2024,2025). He has also been named to Black Business Ink’s Power 100 and featured in a Black Business Ink 2024 magazine profile.

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In addition to his professional and elected leadership, Steve serves on numerous boards including the National FFA Sponsors Board, MyFutureNC, DHIC, MANNRS and NC Business Committee for Education.

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Steve is recognized as a trusted advisor, bridge-builder, and advocate for inclusive growth. His core expertise spans strategic partnerships, ESG and sustainability, community and government relations, stakeholder engagement, and rural and urban development.

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At the heart of all his work, Steve is passionate about helping communities move forward—together.

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