United Way of Greater Houston has named Steve Stephens, chief executive officer of Amegy Bank, as this year’s recipient of the Robert W. Kneebone Volunteer of the Year Award at its annual meeting. The Kneebone Award is a distinguished honor given to a United Way volunteer in recognition of their extraordinary leadership and commitment to community service.
“I am grateful to be involved with United Way of Greater Houston, an extraordinary organization that continuously commits to engaging caring people to improve our community,” Stephens says. “To receive this award is truly an honor because I am among those dedicated volunteers who can indeed make a difference.”
Stephens started volunteering with United Way of Greater Houston in 2011 and has served on the board of trustees since 2016. In addition to chairing the 2020–21 United Way community campaign, Stephens serves on the resource development committee, board governance and nominating committee, and the executive committee.
“Within the past year, our city has experienced two major disasters—a global pandemic and a once-in-a-century winter storm. Steve inspired people to get involved through our annual campaign to help lift up our neighbors in need,” says Amanda McMillian, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston. “Steve is a true champion for United Way and has worked tirelessly to ensure that we are able to carry out our vision to create opportunities for people in our community to thrive, helping more than two million of our neighbors last year alone.”
Stephen’s volunteer service extends deep into the community as he also serves as board chair and member of Boys & Girls Country and as a board member of the Greater Houston Partnership and the Hobby Center Foundation.
Stephens is a founding executive of Amegy Bank, having worked there for the past 31 years and helping to grow the company to nearly $13 billion in assets with more than 75 locations. He received a BBA degree in accounting from the University of Houston and has continued to contribute to the university’s board of visitors and the Bauer College of Business board.
Established in 1982, Amegy Bank operates more than 75 locations in Texas. It is a division of Salt Lake City, Utah-based Zions Bancorporation NA.
