TEDxStLouis Announces Leadership Transition as It Prepares for a Milestone 25th Event

(St. Louis, Mo., August 25, 2025) – TEDxStLouis is entering an exciting new chapter. After 13 years, 25 events, and nearly 200 talks that have inspired thousands, co-founder and Executive Director Steve Sommers is stepping back from day-to-day leadership to focus on new opportunities in the solar industry.

Taking the helm as Interim Executive Director is Sara Vaughan, who has served as Director of Production and Chief of Staff since first volunteering with the organization in 2021. Sara brings a deep understanding of TEDxStLouis’ unique process and a passion for elevating ideas that shape our community.

For Steve, this transition is both professional and personal.

“Departing as the Executive Director of TEDxStLouis, I am reminded of a lyric from a 1969 Beatles song ‘The End’ from their Abbey Road album. Paul McCartney wrote: ‘And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.’ In my case karma offered me more than expected. In balance for my years of effort, I've met lifelong friends (including my wife), helped create a positive force for my beloved St. Louis, and discovered a new exciting career in solar energy. While transitions by their nature are not easy, sometimes they can be exciting, which is how this feels. The TEDxStLouis team is awesome and talented, so it is with a happy heart and great expectations that I find myself stepping back and looking forward.”

Sara is ready to step in with energy and vision:

"TEDxStLouis is where big ideas meet a global audience—and where the world sees what makes St. Louis extraordinary. I’m honored and energized to help guide us into this next chapter."

Co-founder and license holder Mich Hancock added:

“I can’t begin to express how impactful Steve Sommers has been in my life. He brought TEDx to me, and working alongside him all these years has been a true gift. I’m equally thrilled for our future under Sara’s leadership. Her passion, intellect, and vision are already leveling up our organization in inspiring ways. I’m deeply thankful for the past and incredibly excited for what’s ahead.”

Since its founding in 2013, TEDxStLouis has become a cornerstone of the region’s idea-sharing culture:

• Celebrating its 25th event in September 2025

• Nearly 200 speakers

• More than 6,000 event attendees

• Over 2.2 million talk views worldwide

• A 100% volunteer-driven team

The mission remains the same:

To foster positive public relations for the St. Louis region, resulting in impactful and meaningful engagement by showcasing St. Louis' profound impact on our local community, the nation, and the world.

That includes a major milestone on Friday, September 5.

TEDxStLouis will host its annual women's event with Future Focus: Envisioning What’s Next at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. This 25th event will spotlight visionaries shaping the future of technology, innovation, health, cultural spaces, and more. Tickets are available now at tedxsaintlouis.org.

As the organization honors Steve’s legacy and welcomes Sara’s leadership, TEDxStLouis is poised to continue sparking conversations and connections that matter, reminding us that ideas can change everything.