Steven Kolb is the Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). He oversees all operations for the American fashion industry’s 450 designers, and manages CFDA’s membership, activities, and philanthropic efforts.

In his role, Kolb cultivates emerging American fashion talent through programs such as the CFDA/ Vogue Fashion Fund. Under his guidance, the annual CFDA Fashion Awards has become the preeminent spotlight on American fashion. Kolb led the CFDA in the acquisition of the Fashion Calendar and is responsible for the organization of New York Fashion Week.

He was instrumental in creating CFDA’s Health Initiative to address health and safety issues among models. He also developed the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative to revitalize New York City’s garment industry and has put an industry focus on sustainability through CFDA’s open-access resource hub and with direct support to designers working to create a circular economy.

Kolb works directly with CFDA Chairman Thom Browne, and the Board of Directors comprised of America’s foremost designers. He holds a master’s in public administration from New York University.

Steven’s career highlights include the following: CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund; CFDA Fashion Awards; CFDA Membership; New York Fashion Week; CFDA Programming (Fashion Future Graduate Showcase for fashion students); CFDA Philanthropy (Love Ball III with Susanne Bartsch for HIV/AIDS Research).