Richard E. Steele, Jr., widely known as “Ricky,” is the Chief Development Officer at TekStream Solutions. TekStream provides IT staff augmentation and consulting services and was recently named one of Atlanta’s “Best Places to Work.” Steele has spent 20 years in the staffing industry successfully increasing revenue, elevating the company’s brand awareness, and expanding the customer base to include numerous Fortune 500 clients and start-ups. Steele’s prior work experience includes serving as a Client Partner at Korn Ferry, Director of Emerging Growth Technology Practice at PwC, and President of Cox Innovative Media. Steele is a ten-time entrepreneur and was honored as the “Georgia Small Businessperson of the Year” by the Small Business Administration in 1986.

Steele is a published author of three books, the most recent being "The Heart of Networking" (Third Edition). The principles from his book revolve around networking through “Servant Leadership and living the Golden Rule.” He has received numerous accolades for his authentic and heartfelt style as he has shared his in-depth knowledge in speaking engagements for companies, not-for-profits, faith-based organizations, and universities.

Steele has had a passion for serving the needs of his community and was recently honored by being inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel Board of Sponsors, which recognizes individuals drawn from civic life, business, philanthropy, and organizational leadership who support the Chapel’s mission and the values Dr. King embodied. Steele was also awarded a “Lifetime Achievement” award by the “Aurora Day Camp,” which provides services for children with cancer, and the “Ann Cramer Volunteer of the Year” award from TechBridge for his service to the organization since its inception 25 years ago.

Steele was Co-Founder and the first Chairman for both Atlanta’s Table and Hospitality Helping Hands. He currently serves on The Carter Center Board of Councilors. He has also served on the Board of Trustees for Leadership Atlanta and The Ron Clark Academy. Mr. Steele is an Alumnus of Leadership Atlanta, Leadership Georgia, and Outstanding Atlanta. Steele's latest not-for-profit effort is Technology Cares/Technology Shares where over the past nine years, 1.4 million individual meals have been distributed to hungry Atlanta neighbors through The Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Steele is a native of Atlanta, and has been married to his wife, Beth, for 46 years. He is a proud father of three children and is a committed “Papa” to six cherished grandchildren.