# Steven E. Bernstein

> Steven E. Bernstein founded SBA Communications in 1989 and served as its CEO through 2001 and chairman until January 2024. A University of Florida real estate graduate with earlier experience at McCaw Cellular, he helped move SBA from site-development services into tower ownership. He remains a director and pursues real estate investments and philanthropy through his family foundation.

- **Role:** Founder and Director at SBA Communications
- **Organizations:** SBA Communications, Steven E. Bernstein Family Foundation, McCaw Cellular Communications (former employer), SpringBig Holdings (former director), Lynn University (former visiting professor)
- **Education:** Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Real Estate, University of Florida
- **Known for:** Founded SBA Communications and led its early transition from site-development services to tower ownership., PCIA Entrepreneur Award, 1996., Mobile Infrastructure Hall of Fame inductee, 2018.

## Career timeline

- **1986-1989** — Worked at McCaw Cellular Communications, including the initial Pittsburgh cellular system and sales network.
- **1989** — Founded SBA, originally Steven Bernstein and Associates; became its first CEO and chairman.
- **1996** — Received the Personal Communications Industry Association Entrepreneur Award.
- **1999** — SBA became publicly traded on Nasdaq under SBAC.
- **2001** — Final year as SBA chief executive; retained the chairmanship.
- **2006** — His family foundation received federal tax-exempt status in November.
- **2018** — Inducted into the WIA Foundation Mobile Infrastructure Hall of Fame on November 14.
- **2022-2023** — Served on the SpringBig Holdings board.
- **2024** — Concluded his SBA chairmanship in January and continued as a director.
- **2026** — Reelected to the SBA board for a term through the 2029 annual meeting.

## Achievements

- Founded SBA Communications and led its early transition from site-development services to tower ownership.
- PCIA Entrepreneur Award, 1996.
- Mobile Infrastructure Hall of Fame inductee, 2018.
- Family foundation namesake of HomeSafe campuses in Palm Springs and Boca Raton.

## Latest updates

- **2026-05** — SBA shareholders reelected Bernstein to a board term expiring at the 2029 annual meeting.
- **2025-01** — A January 24 report covered the December 13, 2024 ribbon cutting at HomeSafe’s reconstructed Bernstein Family Foundation Campus in Boca Raton.

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/steven-bernstein
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23