Commencement Speaker

Steve Davis is president and chief executive officer of PATH, a Seattle-based international nonprofit organization that transforms global health through innovation. He oversees the organization’s diverse portfolio, leads PATH’s overall strategy and development, fosters partnerships with the public and private sectors, and represents PATH around the world. PATH currently works in more than 70 countries in the areas of emerging and epidemic diseases, health technologies, maternal and child health, reproductive health, and vaccines and immunization.

Steve joined PATH in 2012, bringing an extensive background in business leadership and strategy, expertise in global health and development, and a distinguished record in community service. His leadership experience crosses a range of for-profit and nonprofit companies and international organizations focused on innovation. Steve provided strategic consulting to top foundations, nongovernmental organizations, governments, and private-sector clients as director of social innovation for McKinsey & Company, overseeing the firm’s global practice and partnerships tackling some of the world’s biggest health and development issues. As CEO of Corbis, a digital media firm, he oversaw the company’s start up and growth into a global media distribution leader. He also served as interim CEO of the Infectious Disease Research Institute, a nonprofit biotechnology firm working on vaccines, diagnostics, and drug discovery. Earlier in his career, Steve practiced law at the international law firm of K&L Gates with a focus on intellectual property.

Steve previously served as a member of PATH’s board of directors for nine years and interim leader of our India program, helping to guide the organization through a decade of rapid growth. His long-standing commitment to human rights and global health and development is reflected in his earlier work with international refugee and human rights organizations. He currently serves on the boards of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (past chair) and Global Partnerships. He also is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and holds a faculty appointment as a senior fellow at the University of Washington School of Law. Steve previously served on boards for a range of private, public, and nonprofit organizations, including Crucell, Intrepid Learning Solutions, NPower, The Seattle Foundation, United Way of King County and United Way International, and the Washington State Technology Alliance.

Steve earned his BA from Princeton University, his MA in Chinese studies from the University of Washington, and his law degree from Columbia University.