Early Life and Education

Steven P. Donnelly was born in San Diego, California, USA. From an early age, he displayed a natural curiosity for technology and problem‑solving—interests that would shape both his academic journey and professional career. He began his higher education at the Community College of Allegheny County through the generosity of the Job Corps Program, earning an Associate of Science degree in 2012. He then advanced to the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where he completed his Bachelor of Science in 2014 and later his Master of Science in 2019. These studies provided the foundation for his lifelong commitment to identity, access, and security leadership.

Professional Career Highlights

Steven’s career demonstrates a steady progression of responsibility and influence in the field of Identity and Access Management (IAM):

• Vonage Inc. (2023–Present): As IAM Operations Lead, Steven directs critical initiatives within the CFIUS Transformation Task Force. His leadership has been pivotal in designing and deploying Vonage’s industry‑leading IAM program, implementing solutions across Identity Governance, Policy‑Based Access Control, Privileged Access Management, Identity Orchestration, Asset Management, and Data Governance.

• SPHERE Co. (2021–2023): Serving as Solutions Engineer and Product Advisor, Steven guided his team in adopting advanced IAM solutions. His work strengthened compliance and security frameworks while enhancing product capabilities to align with industry best practices.

• Hub City Media Inc. (2014–2020): Beginning as Manager of Managed Support Services, Steven established a dedicated security team and founded the CRE team. His contributions significantly influenced the company’s long‑term security posture and IAM strategy.

Thought Leadership and Presentations

Steven has been a featured speaker at numerous lectures and conferences in both academic and professional settings. His presentations range from broad introductions to IAM—such as his 2025 Tech Talk “What is Identity and Access Management, Anyway?” and his 2022 guest colloquium “Identity and Access Management, and Why Study It?”—to more specialized industry discussions, including his 2017 talk “Role‑Based Access: Practical, Actionable Considerations.”

Memberships

Steven is an active member of Theta Chi Fraternity, where he mentors young graduates, helping them secure internships and entry‑level roles in the IAM field. He also sponsors and organizes alumni events to strengthen community ties. In addition, he is a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), regularly attending conferences and presenting on emerging methodologies and best practices in project management.

Personal Interests

Beyond his professional endeavors, Steven enjoys spending time with his family, woodworking and advocates for education. He is also a devoted supporter of Lucy the Elephant, a beloved New Jersey landmark, where he has been recognized as a lifetime friend for his contributions. This reflects his deep appreciation for cultural heritage and community engagement.