Steven Johnson was born and raised on a cattle and grain farm near Assaria, Kansas. Growing up, he was actively involved in the Assaria Lutheran Church, 4-H, and Southeast of Saline school. His early commitment to leadership was evident through his participation in youth programs, where he held several leadership roles, including serving as National President of the Rural Electric Youth Program.
After graduating from Southeast of Saline High School, Steven attended Kansas State University, earning a degree in Agricultural Economics. While at K-State, he was elected Student Body President and graduated with honors.
Following college, Steven began his career at Ameriprise, a financial services firm, and earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago, with an emphasis in finance and business policy. During his time at Ameriprise, he received the firm’s highest individual and team awards for leading the development of a software program designed to calculate the highest return investment portfolio for a particular need. Between 1992 and 2013, he not only developed these models but also refined them by comparing projected outcomes to real-world performance—experience that continues to inform his work in public service and his farming operation.
Steven was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 2010, where his background in finance and agriculture quickly led to key leadership roles. He has chaired the Taxation Committee as well as the Insurance and Pension Committees, and served on Appropriations, Legislative Budget, and Natural Resources Budget committees. Through these roles, he built a reputation for thoughtful, data-driven policymaking and a focus on long-term financial stewardship.
In 2022, Steven was elected as the Kansas State Treasurer, where he now applies his financial expertise on behalf of all Kansans. As Treasurer, he oversees key programs including the state’s 529 education savings plan, ABLE savings accounts for individuals with disabilities, and the unclaimed property program—returning millions of dollars to Kansans each year. He also serves on the Pooled Money Investment Board and the KPERS Board of Trustees, helping guide the investment and management of state funds with a focus on transparency, accountability, risk management and strong returns. In 2025, Steven was elected national Chair of the College Savings ` Network. In this role, he is helping to lead national efforts to strengthen and expand 529 plans, ensuring they continue to deliver strong value for families.
Steven remains active in his church community and family farm near Assaria.