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Steve Elam
Steve was born and raised in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area and attended Godwin Heights High School. After graduating in 1976, he enlisted in the US Navy and served as a technician specializing in...view moreSteve was born and raised in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area and attended Godwin Heights High School. After graduating in 1976, he enlisted in the US Navy and served as a technician specializing in anti-submarine warfare and a member of a Nuclear Weapons Handling Team. In 1978, Steve’s ship was sent to the Persian Gulf in response to rising tensions in Iran. In February of 1979, the Shah of Iran was overthrown. Chaos ensued. Ports of exit were closed. Thousands of American citizens and foreign nationals were trapped. Steve and crew took part in a successful nighttime rescue mission evacuating hundreds of men, women, and children to safety––foreshadowing darker days ahead and the coming Iran hostage crisis that lasted 444 days, ending on the day of Ronald Reagan’s inauguration as President.
After his Navy service, Steve settled in Olympia, WA, where he began government service for the House of Representatives. Steve worked in various capacities during his 23 years at the Legislature, the final 15 years managing offices of a half-dozen State Representatives.
Upon retiring from the WA Legislature, Steve assisted Vito Chiechi in the lobbying firm of Chiechi and Associates until Vito’s passing in 2011. Vito had been the Chief Clerk in the House of Representatives before being appointed by President Ronald Reagan as Director of the General Services Administration, Region 10. Steve is proud to have assisted Vito and others in the formation of the Jennifer Dunn Leadership Institute, dedicated to the legacy of the late Congresswoman and her example of principled governance.
Steve is a graduate of Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas, where he earned an Associate degree in theology. Steve earned his Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College in Olympia with a concentration in Public Administration.
Steve splits his time researching and writing novels between his homes in the Puget Sound area and West Michigan.view less