Steve Lavner
Managing Director, Marketing, Communications and Public Relations Practice Leader
Steve Lavner is the Founder and Principal of Lavner Consulting, a boutique executive search firm specializing in senior-level communications, marketing, and investor relations talent. With more than 20 years of experience in executive search, Steve has built a reputation for identifying and placing top-tier leaders in high-stakes, high-visibility roles.
Before founding Lavner Consulting, Steve served as SVP of Talent Acquisition at Edelman Smithfield, where he led senior-level recruiting efforts for one of the industry’s premier communications firms. His career also includes tenures at Heidrick & Struggles, Diversified Search, CTPartners, MediaLink and Heyman Associates giving him deep relationships and market insight across the communications, marketing, and IR landscape.
Before transitioning into executive search, Steve pursued a career in performance, holding a BFA in Theatre from Hofstra University and appearing on Broadway in Beauty and the Beast. That background continues to inform his approach to talent, communication, and presence in the search process.
Steve holds the Certified Strategic Professional Career Coach (SPCC®) designation and brings a coaching-oriented approach to his search work, helping both clients and candidates navigate complex career and hiring decisions.
