C.J. Stewart is an Atlanta native, a former Chicago Cubs outfielder, and an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author (Living To L.E.A.D.: A Story of Passion, Purpose, and Grit). Recognized as one of the top baseball player development professionals in the country, he founded and leads Diamond Directors, a firm renowned for its success in developing elite baseball talent. With over 25 years of experience, Stewart has worked with an impressive roster of clients, including Jason Heyward (Los Angeles Dodgers), Dexter Fowler (Chicago Cubs, World Series Champion), Andruw Jones (former Atlanta Brave), Peter Alonso (NY Mets), Kyle Lewis (Arizona Diamondbacks), and Andrew McCutchen (Pittsburgh Pirates).
Growing up in Hollywood Brooks, one of Atlanta’s most dangerous apartment complexes, Stewart’s journey embodies the adage: ‘Where you start doesn’t determine where you finish’. Despite daunting odds, he used baseball to rise above adversity, nurtured by the support of his community. His passion for the game led him from John A. White Park to being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in both 1994 and 1996.
Together with his wife, Kelli, Stewart extends his impact through their non-profit, L.E.A.D. (Launch, Expose, Advise, Direct), which empowers at-risk youth in Atlanta to transform their communities and lead globally. The program boasts impressive outcomes: 100% high school graduation rate, 93% college enrollment, 90% receiving college scholarships, and 14% entering the military or workforce. Stewart’s commitment to giving back is his way of thanking those who guided him and creating similar opportunities for today’s Atlanta youth.
A member of the Rotary Club of Atlanta West End since June 25, 2009, Stewart is also a Leadership Atlanta alum, class of 2015, and alongside Kelli, a Leadership Georgia alum, class of 2023.