HWS News
12 May 2026 Trustee Kevin Stein ’88 to take part in USS Cleveland Commissioning
HWS Trustee helps mark the launch of a U.S. Navy vessel bearing the name of his hometown while reflecting a career rooted in scientific innovation, civic leadership and service.
When the USS Cleveland (LCS-31) is commissioned this spring, it will mark a historic first: never before has a U.S. Navy warship entered service in the State of Ohio. Among those helping bring the milestone ceremony to life is Hobart and William Smith Trustee Kevin M. Stein ’88, whose professional leadership and philanthropic commitment have long been intertwined with the city the vessel honors.
Representing civilian support of the vessel as retired CEO of aerospace manufacturer TransDigm Group Inc., Stein and his family are among the major sponsors connected to the commissioning ceremony, which celebrates both the U.S. Navy vessel and the industrial legacy of Cleveland.
For Stein, the occasion reflects a lifelong commitment to leadership, innovation and public service — values that trace back to his years at HWS. The historic launch offers a fitting convergence of Stein’s longstanding contributions to aerospace manufacturing, civic engagement and commitment to national service. The commissioning ceremony is scheduled for May 16 in Cleveland.
At HWS, Stein was a Druid and a member of the Deans’ Council. During his senior year, he received the Jensen Memorial Research Grant through the Rochester Academy of Science and the Durfee Award, given annually to Hobart’s most outstanding graduate. He graduated with high Honors in chemistry and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Stein says he was deeply influenced by Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Kenneth Carle P’82, P’84, P’90, who encouraged him to “chase the challenges” and “keep learning new things.”
Those lessons carried Stein from Geneva to Stanford University, where he earned a master’s degree in Inorganic Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Inorganic/Polymer Chemistry, before launching a career that would place him at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation.
Stein retired last year as President, CEO and Director of TransDigm, the publicly traded aerospace system designer and producer headquartered in Cleveland and listed on the S&P 500. During his tenure, the company was recognized on the Forbes list of the World’s Top Innovation Companies.
Prior to TransDigm, Stein held executive leadership positions with Precision Castparts Corp., Cooper Industries Inc. and Tyco Electronics Raychem GmbH, overseeing businesses focused on highly engineered manufacturing, circuit protection and structural aerospace systems.
Today, Stein serves as an advisor and investment partner with Apollo Global Management. His broader civic and corporate leadership includes board service with organizations ranging from the Cleveland Institute of Music, a classical music conservatory, to Gilmour Academy, a private school in the Cleveland area. He also serves on the board of publicly traded company Axalta Coating Systems LLC.
In 2024, Stein was named to the annual Crain’s Cleveland Business Power 150 list, highlighting Northeast Ohio's most influential leaders across business, government and philanthropy.
At HWS, Stein was appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2024 and serves on the Financial Management, Investment and Campaign Steering Committees, as well as the Melly Institute and Outcomes Committee. He previously served on the Campaign Advisory Group and, alongside his wife Kristen Selser Stein, hosted a Cleveland-area reception for alumni, parents and admitted students.
The Stein family has committed more than $5 million to HWS’ Fish Center for the Sciences, and previously established the Dr. Kevin M. Stein ’88 and Family Endowed Summer Science Research Fund, which provides funding to students who spend the summer months on campus working intensively with a faculty member.
In Cleveland, the Stein family supports initiatives focused on women in STEM education, mental health and wellness, and transportation access for homeless and at-risk patients receiving care through the Cleveland Clinic.
On top, the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation's photo.
