Steve Diggs is the founding President and CEO of Emerald Youth Foundation, a Christ-centered youth development organization he has led since 1991. Its mission is to raise up urban youth to love Jesus Christ and become effective leaders who help renew their communities. Under his leadership, Emerald Youth has grown into a comprehensive, research-based ministry serving thousands of young people through faith, learning, and health initiatives. 

Steve also serves as President of Emerald Charter Schools, which launched Emerald Academy, Knoxville's first public charter school, in 2015. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to developing young leaders and strengthening communities through ministry and education. 

A Knoxville native and graduate of Karns High School, Steve earned his B.A. in Business Management from Maryville College, where he was defensive captain of the football team. He has completed nonprofit leadership programs at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government and Harvard Business School. 

Steve is active in civic and community leadership. He serves on the Maryville College Board, where he chairs the Admissions and Communications Committee, and is a member of the KCS Superintendent's Council for Accelerating Student Learning. His past board service includes Empowerment Zone Knoxville, Tennova Healthcare, Project GRAD Knoxville, Norwood Kiwanis, Emerald Avenue United Methodist Church, and other community organizations. He also serves as chaplain for the Fulton High School football team. Steve is a recipient of the United Methodist Church's Harry Denman Evangelism Award and the Maryville College Alumni Citation Award, and a graduate of Leadership Knoxville and Leadership Tennessee. 

Steve and his wife, Sabrina, have been married for 37 years. They have two children, Adam (Arbor) and Abby, and a grandson, King.