Stephen Wakefield

I am an experienced communications and public affairs executive with more than twenty years of leading high-impact, multi-channel communications programs for global organizations. Throughout my career, I’ve built, scaled, and directed communications functions that strengthen brand visibility, elevate executive voices, and deliver measurable results across media, internal audiences, partners, and key stakeholders.

In my current role as Senior Vice President of Global Communications at Discovery Education, I lead all global communications and public affairs efforts for an edtech organization serving 4.5 million teachers and 45 million students. I oversee media relations, executive communications, crisis response, internal communications, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement, and serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team. Under my leadership, Discovery Education’s media presence grew from 3,997 mentions in 2021 to more than 10,000 in 2025 — a 150 percent increase — and the company reached an industry-leading 65 percent share of voice. My strategies have generated roughly $300 million in annual advertising value equivalency and significantly expanded the organization’s visibility and influence.

I have led communications for five corporate acquisitions and supported two private equity transactions, shaping messaging, media strategy, and stakeholder alignment through complex, high-stakes initiatives. I also grew strategic media exposure for our annual Education Insights Report by 300 percent year over year and have led national coalition efforts to promote digital learning.

Earlier in my career, I held communications leadership roles at Discovery Communications and ASCD, where I strengthened brand positioning, served as spokesperson, developed executive messaging, oversaw digital and social strategies, and produced high-quality content for diverse audiences. I also have experience in public affairs, government relations, and membership engagement across several national associations.

I hold an M.A. from Georgetown University and a B.A. from Alvernia University. Colleagues describe me as a strategic communicator, a collaborative partner, and a consistent top performer who delivers results.

I am a seasoned communications and public affairs leader with more than two decades of experience building and directing strategic communications functions for global organizations. In my current role as Senior Vice President of Global Communications at Discovery Education, I oversee all external and internal communications, media relations, executive communications, crisis response, and public affairs for an edtech company serving millions of educators and students worldwide. I serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team and have expanded the organization’s media exposure by 150 percent, achieving an industry-leading 65 percent share of voice and generating roughly $300 million in annual advertising value equivalency.

I have led communications strategies for five corporate acquisitions and supported two private equity transactions, guiding messaging and stakeholder alignment across complex, high-stakes initiatives. I’ve also grown strategic media coverage for our annual Education Insights Report by 300 percent year over year and elevated the organization’s national profile through coalition partnerships and targeted media outreach.

Before my current role, I held communications leadership positions at Discovery Communications and ASCD, where I strengthened brand positioning, served as spokesperson, oversaw digital and social strategy, and produced high-quality content across channels. Across every role, I’ve been recognized for clear storytelling, strong leadership, and consistently delivering measurable results.

I hold an M.A. from Georgetown University and a B.A. from Alvernia University.