Stephen J Pasierb

Stephen J. Pasierb is an American trade association and nonprofit executive. He currently serves as President & Chief Executive of the United States Toy Association. In this position, he is responsible for leading the growth, development, and oversight of an innovative $20 million not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and bringing toys and youth entertainment products to kids of all ages.

The Association's more than 950 member companies account for approximately 90% of U.S. domestic toy sales. The U.S. toy industry drives more than 493,000 jobs with $24.51 billion in wages, contributes $9.93 billion in combined state and federal taxes, and has an annual U.S. economic impact of $80.25 billion. The Association’s external affairs programs have expanded to encompass industry-related issues at the state, federal, regional and international levels; its go-to-market trade events, including the annual North American International Toy Fair, attract increasingly global audiences; and its expansive philanthropic activities in partnership with members have grown to serve millions of children in need each year. In collaboration with its members, The Association recently launched a multi-year national communications campaign known as The Genius of Play to educate consumers on the social and developmental benefits of childhood play. The Association and events company LeftField Media are partners in a business-to-consumer venture known as Play Fair.

Previously, Pasierb served as President and CEO of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to evidence-based solutions to adolescent substance use disorders. The organization's stated mission is to reduce teen substance abuse and help families impacted by addiction. He served in several positions with the organization between 1993 and being named CEO in 2001.

Pasierb served in the State of Maryland Executive Department under Governor William Donald Schaefer as Manager of Marketing & Media Communications for the Governor's Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission. Prior to the Commission, he was an account supervisor and new business development director at Freed & Associates in Baltimore, an advertising and public relations agency; preceded by serving as vice president of media services at GNVC Communications in Pittsburgh a business-to-business communications firm. Pasierb’s media industry journey began with several years in radio – first as on-air talent, then station management and later in sales.

Pasierb currently serves on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Association Committee of 100. Previously he served on the board of directors of the Treatment Research Institute and the national advisory committee of Darkness To Light. Pasierb was elected to the American Advertising Federation Hall of Achievement in 2003.

Pasierb is a 1986 honors graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he received a M.Ed. degree in Communications Media and earlier a B.S. in Criminology. He is a 2008 recipient of the IUP Distinguished Alumni Award. Pasierb is a member of The National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi for scholarly distinction. Pasierb is married to his wife.