Transformed family business into Moorehead Communications

Helped start Grant County Community Foundation

Stephen E. Moorehead, Marion High School Class of 1957, changed the landscape of the telecommunications industry and philanthropy in Grant County and far beyond.
After graduating from Purdue University in 1962 and serving in the U.S. Navy from 1962 through 1967, he purchased his parents’ business, Moorehead Electric Co. Building upon their success Steve took advantage of the changing regulatory landscape in the 1980s to break into the telecommunications industry. His visionary leadership then took the company in another new direction, this time into the mobile telecommunications industry. The company activated its first mobile phone in 1990. Steve led the company as owner and president until 1991. The company, which is now Moorehead Communications, is the nation’s largest Verizon Wireless retailer (known as The Cellular Connection).
Steve’s giving spirit and love for his community drove him to help create what is now the Community Foundation of Grant County, after reading about such organizations forming around the country. The Community Foundation now oversees millions of dollars in endowments that fund scholarships and other grants to deserving individuals and groups. He also directly helped support many local non-profit service agencies, and the Moorehead Family Foundation now serves as the central focal point of the family’s charitable giving, making a huge difference in the lives of others every day.
He also has served on numerous Grant County boards, including the Marion-Grant County Chamber of Commerce, the Grant County Family YMCA (serving as president), and the Meshingomesia Golf and Social Club (serving as president). He also started a local trade show, as well as the Marion Lightning soccer team, a travel league team for teens in Marion.
Steve and his wife, Phyllis (Staggs), have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren. Steve’s legacy of business innovation and philanthropy continues to impact our world, with his son Scott at the helm of Moorehead Communications, and the Moorehead Family Foundation continuing to support important efforts to improve our community.