Remembering Stephen D. Potts

Our world has lost a remarkable man; a public servant, a true statesman, and a kind-hearted soul. Sadly, The Honorable Stephen D. Potts passed away on December 12, 2019.

Steve Potts was deeply committed to ethical conduct in organizations, which he embodied throughout his professional career. Among his achievements, he served as Associate Counsel to the President under George W Bush; and Director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. 

Steve was also an unwavering supporter of the ECI. He was chairman of our board, Chair of our Fellows Program, and even served as interim president for a short while. He was not only dedicated to our cause; he genuinely cared about our staff. For me personally, he was a trusted friend, a wise counselor, and a role model.

Steve was chairman of the board when I first took the helm at the ECI (at the time the organization was named the Ethics Resource Center). He sat me down and said to me, “No matter what, I will always advocate for you.” I knew that there were limits to that promise, but so long as I was advancing the cause of ethics, Steve would support me. I had confidence in Steve’s commitment because he had already shown me in so many ways that he had an abiding commitment to our organization, and a much larger passion for ethics. 

One need not have known Steve too long to find out that he was not a chameleon – he didn’t change who he was based on the person whose presence he was in. Steve’s character was slowly and steadily revealed, and it was evidenced by many of the decisions he made throughout his career. People who knew him described him as "the epitome of ethical conduct," 'an iconic figure in our time and space" and a "good and kind man." That, my friends, is integrity: an earned reputation of having displayed ethical values over time. 

Steve Potts was a true ethical leader, influencing people worldwide, and his contributions have (and will continue to) surpass generations. He was, and still is, an example to us all.