Steve McDonald has built his career around helping others succeed.

As CEO of the REALTORS® Association of Lake & Sumter Counties, Steve leads the organization through advocacy, professional development and member services while ensuring local real estate professionals have the education, resources and representation they need to thrive. He says his greatest passion is helping people grow while serving as a trusted voice for the profession and private property rights.

Professionally, Steve is most proud of a career centered on education, mentorship and leadership. Before joining the association, he spent 13 years as a professor in the College of Communication at Lipscomb University, helping prepare the next generation of professionals.

Since moving to Lake County four years ago, Steve has invested in the community through Leadership Lake, serving on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake and Sumter Counties, participating in Habitat for Humanity builds, waterway cleanups, Lake 100 and fundraising events supporting local charities.

Steve credits his parents with instilling the values of integrity, hard work, humility and service, while mentors throughout his career challenged him to grow as a leader and invest in others.

His advice to future leaders is simple: remain curious, stay humble and never stop serving.

“Build genuine relationships, give back to your community and never lose sight of the fact that people matter most,” Steve says. “If you focus on adding value, working hard and helping others succeed, your career and leadership journey will take care of itself.”