In his former role as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Steven Chalk managed EERE’s Sustainable Transportation sector, which included the Vehicle, Fuel Cell, and Bioenergy Technologies offices.This portfolio focused on research and development to increase access to domestic, clean transportation fuels and improve the energy efficiency, convenience, and affordability of transporting people and goods to support U.S. energy security, economic productivity and competitiveness.

He also served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable Power, overseeing applied research, development, and demonstration for a diverse clean energy portfolio. This portfolio includded wind, solar, geothermal, conventional hydropower, marine and hydrokinetic, biomass, and hydrogen technologies.

Prior to that position, Steve served as EERE's Chief Operating Officer and led EERE's Recovery Act implementation, which included $17 billion of awards, part of the nation's largest-ever investment in clean energy. Steve also supported the Treasury Department launch two new clean energy tax programs—the 1603 grants-in-lieu-of tax credits and the 48C advanced manufacturing tax credits, both of which contributed significantly to America's growing clean energy sector. During the previous Presidential transition period, he was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and led EERE.

From 2007 through 2008, Steve also held the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable Energy. He also previously managed EERE's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Program, the Solar Energy Technologies Program, and the Buildings Technologies Program.

In September 2008, the Partnership for Public Service honored Steve with a Service to America Medal in the Science and Environment category. This award recognized his management of several innovative clean energy projects, as well as his leadership in the federal government's efforts to expand renewable energy and energy efficiency use, particularly in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Greensburg, Kansas. Steve has also received the Meritorious and Distinguished Presidential Rank Awards.

Early in his career at the Department of Energy (DOE), Steve managed technology development programs in fuel cells, diesel emissions control, and materials for DOE's advanced automotive technology office. He also worked in the nuclear energy field where he oversaw DOE test programs for tritium production. Steve started his career with the Navy developing propellants and explosives for conventional weapons.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the George Washington University.