Steve McDermott
Managing Director
📍 Long Island, NY
Steve McDermott is the Managing Director of Smile Farms, where he leverages his Fortune 100 experience and entrepreneurial mindset to drive the organization’s growth and impact. With a background in business leadership at Unilever and PepsiCo and advisory roles for brands like Google and Disney, Steve brings a wealth of strategic expertise to Smile Farms. He has been a pioneer in digital marketing, leading strategy at VaynerMedia, developing BCG’s digital marketing practice, and co-founding the agency Gr0wth Dr1vers.
Motivated by a passion for social impact, Steve transitioned his agency to focus on helping nonprofits raise funds and awareness. He has worked across human services, health care, humanitarian aid, education, and the arts for organizations such as United Way, Jhpiego (a Johns Hopkins affiliate), The KIND Foundation, Empatico, LEAP, and Rise Alliance for Children. His work with Bergen County’s United Way on a fundraising campaign to build supportive housing for people with disabilities inspired him to take a more active role in this space. Now at Smile Farms, he is dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Fun Fact:
Steve is fluent in Spanish, enjoys playing sports, and is perfecting his Argentine-style asado. Most of all, he loves spending time with his family.