Prior to joining CNA and for most of his career, Steve worked at The Hartford. During that time, he assumed increasing responsibility for The Hartford's field operations, most recently serving as regional vice president for its Chicago Regional Office, where he was responsible for the profit, growth, talent management and distribution management for all non-professional liability P&C lines.

He received a bachelor's degree in managerial accounting from Pace University and earned a master's degree from Loyola College (Baltimore).