Stephen D. Bechtel, Jr. created the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation  in 1957 to improve the quality of life for Californians by addressing selected issues that challenge the health and prosperity of the state. In addition to his leadership of the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and the Stephen Bechtel Fund, Mr. Bechtel is Chairman Retired and a Director of Bechtel Group, Inc. He is also Chairman Emeritus and a Director of Fremont Group, LLC, separate affiliated companies that manage and operate in marketable securities, natural resources, and other selected investments.

A successful engineering career and a lifelong passion for the outdoors inspired Mr. Bechtel to direct the Foundation’s primary investments toward STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Education and Environment. The S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation has played a key role in strengthening STEM teaching and learning in California, as well as promoting the sustainable management of California’s natural resources. The Foundation’s other primary program areas are Character Development & Citizenship and Health. Mr. Bechtel also established the California Conservation Fund, which is dedicated to the conservation and management of significant wetland areas and associated uplands in California.

Before focusing his attention on philanthropy, Mr. Bechtel served as the third-generation leader of the worldwide engineering and construction business that was founded in 1898 by his grandfather, Warren A. Bechtel. Today, Bechtel Group, Inc. provides a broad range of technical, construction, and management services to clients in many industries around the globe, including power, petroleum and chemicals, surface transportation, aviation facilities, infrastructure development, pipelines, mining and metals, and telecommunications.

A recognized leader in industry, Mr. Bechtel earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. He also holds an Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from Purdue University, an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Colorado, and an Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from the Colorado School of Mines. Mr. Bechtel served as a Director on the Boards of several major corporations, including General Motors and IBM. Presidents Johnson, Nixon, and Ford each appointed him to Presidential committees and commissions. He served several industry and community organizations as Chairman, including The Business Council, The Conference Board, Inc., and the National Academy of Engineering. Mr. Bechtel served as Vice Chairman on the California Council for Science and Technology Task Force in 2006 to advise the Governor of California on strategies to increase California’s talent pool by improving STEM Education. He currently serves on the Hoover Task Force on Energy and the MIT Energy Initiative External Advisory Board.

Mr. Bechtel and his wife, Betty, have a large family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In making the decision to spend down the assets of the Foundation he created, Mr. Bechtel is looking to the next generations to maintain the family tradition of philanthropy. He has shared his vast enthusiasm for learning and love for the outdoors with his family, while encouraging them to continue his legacy of community service. Most importantly, Mr. Bechtel has helped to establish individual foundations for each of his children and grandchildren, and he has committed his time and expertise to their education as responsible and innovative philanthropists.