Steven E. Lefton, FASLA
Kimley-Horn, Reston, VA
For more than 26 years, Steven Lefton has broadened the role of landscape architects in design and leadership for the betterment of communities across the country. In his 23 years at Kimley-Horn, he progressed from a staff landscape architect to president and CEO of the eighth largest pure design firm in the United States, the only landscape architect in the country to lead a nationally prominent, nationally scaled, multidisciplinary design firm. Steve also began a Lasting Impact for Tomorrow (LIFT) program at Kimley-Horn to focus on recruiting, developing, and retaining women through targeted efforts such as family-friendly benefits. LIFT has garnered accolades for Kimley-Horn as being a great place to work for women by WTS, Fortune, and CREW. Steve has demonstrated his dedication to the profession by creating and funding an internship scholarship, funding lectures and student travel, and developing and co-chairing fundraising campaigns to help prepare students for successful careers in practice. His volunteerism and philanthropic commitment to the Florida and Potomac Chapters of ASLA has resulted in his twice receiving the Service Award from the Florida Chapter. In 2011, he served as the Potomac Chapter President where he was instrumental in staving off an effort by the Commonwealth of Virginia to challenge licensure for landscape architects.
