Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Steve Forbes

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 25, 2025

How Steve Forbes built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Malcolm Stevenson Forbes Jr., known as Steve Forbes, is an American publishing executive and politician. He currently serves as editor-in-chief of Forbes, a business magazine founded by his grandfather, B.C. Forbes. He also advises the Forbes School of Business & Technology. Forbes sought the Republican presidential nomination in both 1996 and 2000. Additionally, he served as chairman of the Board for International Broadcasting (BIB) for multiple terms, starting in 1985.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1970: Graduation from Princeton University

In 1970, Steve Forbes graduated with an A.B. in history from Princeton University. While at Princeton, Forbes founded Business Today magazine.

1985: Appointment as Head of Board of International Broadcasting

In 1985, Steve Forbes was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as head of the Board of International Broadcasting (BIB), which managed Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

1985: Chairman of the Board for International Broadcasting

In 1985, Steve Forbes was appointed chairman of the Board for International Broadcasting (BIB).

1993: Chairman of Empower America

From 1993, Steve Forbes served as the chairman of the Board of Directors of "Empower America".

1993: Service as BIB leader ends

In 1993, Steve Forbes concluded his service as the leader of the Board of International Broadcasting (BIB) following the inauguration of Bill Clinton.

1993: Reappointed chairman of Board for International Broadcasting

In 1993, Steve Forbes was reappointed as chairman of the Board for International Broadcasting (BIB).

1996: Associates with Jack Kemp

From 1993 to 1996, through "Empower America", Steve Forbes became associates with prominent conservative politician Jack Kemp, who would go on to endorse Forbes during the 1996 Republican Party presidential primaries.

1996: Presidential Campaign on Flat Tax

In 1996, Steve Forbes entered the Republican primaries for President of the United States, primarily campaigning to establish a flat income tax.

1996: Republican Presidential Candidate

In 1996, Steve Forbes ran as a candidate in the Republican presidential primaries.

1996: Presidential Run and Campaign Style

In 1996, Steve Forbes ran for president and sold some of his Forbes, Inc. voting shares. Although he won the Arizona and Delaware primaries, his campaigning style was described as awkward.

1996: Flat Tax Plan in 1996

In 1996, Steve Forbes supported a flat tax of 17% on all personal and corporate earned income, with the first $33,000 of income exempt.

1999: Honorary chairman of Americans for Hope, Growth and Opportunity

From 1996 to 1999, Steve Forbes served as honorary chairman of the advocacy group "Americans for Hope, Growth and Opportunity".

2000: Second Presidential Campaign

In 2000, Steve Forbes again ran for President of the United States in the Republican primaries, focusing on a flat income tax but dropping some previous campaign points.

2000: Forbes's Flat Tax Plan

In 2000, Steve Forbes maintained his flat tax plan but instead of a $33,000 exemption, it resembled the Armey Plan with a $13,000-per-adult and $5,000-per-dependent deduction.

2000: Republican Presidential Candidate

In 2000, Steve Forbes was a candidate in the Republican presidential primaries.

2000: Returns to Forbes

In 2000, after dropping out early in the primary season, Steve Forbes returned to heading the magazine and company, Forbes.

December 2006: Joined Board of Directors of FreedomWorks

In December 2006, Steve Forbes joined the Board of Directors of the advocacy organization FreedomWorks.

March 28, 2007: Joins Rudy Giuliani's Campaign

On March 28, 2007, Steve Forbes joined Rudy Giuliani's campaign for the 2008 presidential election as a National Co-Chair and Senior Policy Advisor.

2008: Economic Advisor to John McCain

During the 2008 presidential campaign, Steve Forbes served as John McCain's economic advisor on taxes, energy, and the budget.

March 2013: Intelligence Squared Debate

In March 2013, Steve Forbes participated in an NPR broadcast Intelligence Squared debate concerning the motion "Does America Need A Strong Dollar Policy?".