Steve Geelhood is an engineering-minded business leader whose career has been defined by a commitment to building organizations, elevating technology, and guiding people toward meaningful impact. Rooted in a belief that innovation should serve the greater good, he has spent more than two decades shaping medical device and regenerative medicine advancements while simultaneously investing in community-driven nonprofits and faith-based organizations. His work blends deep technical expertise with thoughtful leadership, consistently turning complex challenges into purposeful progress.
Across his career, Steve has demonstrated an uncommon ability to navigate the intersection of science, strategy, and stewardship. Beginning his professional journey as a chemical engineer and evolving into a senior commercial and operational leader, he brings a rare combination of hands-on technical experience and executive-level vision. Whether scaling a new product, stabilizing a critical business function, or helping a young organization become self-sustaining, Steve leads with clarity, humility, and a steady commitment to the long view.
Steve currently serves as Senior Director of Commercial Operations at Pluristyx, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of stem cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine. His work at Pluristyx reflects his passion for translating groundbreaking science into real-world solutions. Prior to this role, he served as the company’s Director of Product Management, guiding a portfolio of cell therapy products designed to accelerate the path to next-generation cures—from immune-based cancer treatments to engineered tissues. His leadership has helped advance the company’s vision of delivering tomorrow’s cell therapies today.
In parallel with his corporate leadership, Steve founded Develop Great, a consulting practice dedicated to helping early-stage innovators move from lab-scale proof-of-concept to controlled, compliant, GMP-ready processes. Drawing on nearly twenty years of chemical engineering and medical device experience, he equips young companies to clarify their product definitions, de-risk their processes, and navigate the complexities of clinical-grade manufacturing. His consulting work embodies his belief that good ideas deserve the opportunity to become meaningful medical realities.
Before entering the cell therapy space, Steve spent nearly two decades at BCSI, where he rose from Chemical Engineer to SAFE Systems Product Manager and ultimately to Business Director. During this time, he guided multiple generations of product development for global platelet transfusion and IVF markets, launched technologies that achieved rapid commercial adoption, and built cross-functional teams capable of executing technical, operational, and strategic objectives. His tenure included managing manufacturing, creating international distribution support, developing quality and regulatory infrastructure, and leading commercialization efforts that introduced life-changing technologies to new regions around the world.
Steve’s early technical career further reinforced the foundations of curiosity and discipline that continue to guide his leadership today. From protein adhesion research at the University of Washington to modeling complex chemical systems at Bechtel and CH2M HILL, he developed a reputation for analytical rigor and creative problem solving. His graduate research at the University of Washington, focused on preventing the foreign body response for implantable glucose sensors, foreshadowed his ongoing commitment to improving human health through practical, scientifically grounded innovation.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Steve has long demonstrated a deep dedication to service and community leadership. For two decades, he played an instrumental role in the growth and governance of Sanctuary Christian Reformed Church, serving multiple terms as Council President, Council Member, Secretary, and Treasurer. He guided the organization from a five-person church plant into a financially stable, $300K annual operation and oversaw significant leadership transitions with care and integrity.
His community leadership extended to the Green Bean Coffee House, a nonprofit café focused on fostering connection and belonging in the Greenwood neighborhood. As a board member and later organizational leader, Steve helped guide the venture from inception to a financially neutral, mission-aligned community hub. He continued this pattern of service by joining the Board of Directors for SoulFormation, supporting transformational programs that promote the wholeness of Christian leaders.
Steve has also invested in cultivating inclusive and welcoming community spaces outside traditional organizational structures. For six years, he co-led a 200-person ultimate frisbee hat league through DiscNW, emphasizing player development, accessible participation, and a culture of mentorship. Whether in athletics, nonprofit governance, or technical leadership, Steve’s instinct is to build environments where people can grow.
His educational pathway—a BS in Chemical Engineering with a Biotechnology minor from Calvin University, followed by an MS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington—laid the groundwork for his lifelong commitment to learning. Along the way, he has complemented his technical training with business development, leadership formation, and strategic influence competencies, including certifications such as the Fundamentals of Transaction from Influential U.
Today, Steve is recognized not only for his technical breadth but also for his ability to shepherd organizations through uncertainty, facilitate collaboration across diverse teams, and guide products from concept to global commercialization. His career is a testament to the power of combining engineering discipline with purposeful leadership, always grounded in values that prioritize service, stewardship, and human-centered impact.
Character:
Steve leads with integrity, consistency, and a genuine desire to see people thrive. He approaches decisions with humility, always balancing the needs of the organization with the well-being of the individuals involved. His steady presence fosters trust, making him a leader people naturally turn to during moments of complexity or change.
Knowledge:
His technical depth spans chemical engineering, product development, commercialization strategy, and regenerative medicine, enabling him to bridge the gap between scientific potential and market reality. He continually expands his understanding of emerging technologies, regulatory environments, and operational best practices. His ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights distinguishes him as a highly knowledgeable and versatile leader.
Strategic:
Steve brings a long-range perspective that allows him to anticipate challenges, plan proactively, and structure organizations for sustainable growth. He excels at aligning product vision with operational capabilities while ensuring that each decision supports the broader mission. His strategies consistently balance innovation with practicality, enabling teams to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Communication:
He communicates with clarity, empathy, and purpose, ensuring that complex technical or strategic concepts are accessible to diverse audiences. His style is collaborative and patient, fostering environments where questions are welcomed and ideas can flourish. By prioritizing transparency and understanding, he strengthens trust across teams, partners, and community stakeholders.
