Meet Chad Stevens, Chief Strategy Officer here at ParentSquare! He is tasked with creating, communicating, executing, and sustaining the company’s strategic initiatives. He advises on all aspects of company operations.
What words of wisdom would you pass onto your childhood self?
Be yourself. I think in society, you can get caught up in trying to be someone you are not. Just being you is important to a good life balance.
What teacher impacted you the most?
My first grade teacher, Mrs. Couch. She was extremely compassionate and empathetic. Somehow I never forgot that class. I can still picture the classroom. Mrs. Couch lived to be 87, and I stayed in contact with her for 40 years after first grade. She knew everything I did in education.
Where did you grow up?
Lake Jackson, TX.
What are you most likely doing on a Saturday afternoon?
It depends on the season, but in the spring/summer, I am most likely coaching baseball. I coach a 14U travel team, and it is something I really love to do. In the fall, I am usually watching football. My colleges are Tarleton State (where I played baseball) and Texas A&M, so I am an “SEC guy.” The other main Saturday activity is cooking, specifically smoking meats. I love to cook and entertain when I can.
Would you rather explore a new planet or the deepest part of the ocean? Why?
The ocean, I love fishing. I grew up on the Texas gulf coast. Before moving to IL, I had a boat and did quite a bit of saltwater fishing. Now I still do some traveling to fish. In March, I have a trip planned to bass fish at Lake Okeechobee and then go offshore the following day. I will also catch a few spring training games in between fishing.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
See question 4, BBQ.
Favorite book or movie?
I love all baseball movies, but I think my favorite is The Natural.
If you could dedicate your life to solving one problem, what would it be?
It is giving all students an equitable education. The disparity in the US alone is alarming, but when you look internationally, it is much worse. I think technology plays a big factor here, and it is one of the reasons I have dedicated the last 14 years of my career to that space.
What is the nerdiest thing you do in your free time?
I occasionally play Fortnite on my iPad. I have slowed down since Apple and Epic Games started fighting, but I still sneak in a few games a week. I tell my kids that I might be the best 48-year-old player in the world, but they don’t think it is that cool anymore.
Favorite quote?
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” – Jackie Robinson
What do you like most about working for ParentSquare?
I am most excited about working at a company that is 100% focused on K-12 education and helping teachers, parents, and administrators. As a former teacher and administrator myself, this is very important to me.
Chad has been at ParentSquare since February 22, 2021.
