Steve Harvey is the vice president of operations and Virginia site lead for TECHLAB, part of SSI Diagnostica Group, which is focused on designing, developing, and manufacturing diagnostics. Harvey graduated from Radford University in 1995 with degrees in biology and chemistry.

1. What is your proudest accomplishment over the course of your career?

I am proud of the workforce we have built and the products our company makes. We have an amazing workforce here in the New River Valley with great energy who care about making a high-quality product. The company’s products help people get a diagnosis from a doctor to get better treatment. One of our core values is getting rapid diagnostics to clinicians and doctors so patients have improved outcomes.

2. What is your favorite part of working at Tech Lab and SSI Diagnostica Group?

Over the course of my 30 years with the company, I have seen it change and grow. The company is looking to grow even more over the next few years, through new product development that we're doing right here in Blacksburg and acquisition. We’re also transitioning to more manufacturing in our Radford facility. It's exciting to be a part of a company that is growing and getting a lot of recognition globally. 

3. What projects are you currently working on?

One fun one we're working on right now is a global enterprise resource planning project. We’re doing inventory, accounting, and all things in between. It’s a big undertaking for a company of 600 people. We also have a new technology product in development we're going to launch around this time next year. 

4. What do you enjoy most about living in Region 2?

I moved around quite a bit growing up. I ended up living in Northern Virginia through high school and college. I fell in love with the New River Valley and love the mountains, the recreation, and the people.

5. What are you looking forward to learning as a Region 2 council member?

I was former board chair of New River Community College. I also sit on the economic development board for the City of Radford. I want to see jobs come to this area. Region 2 is a great place to live; we have high-quality, high-paying jobs, and a lot of innovation in the region. Being able to support projects through GO Virginia is an exciting opportunity. 

6. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Believe in your gut. Make smart decisions. Try to delegate to people who can also do the same thing. That's how you grow in an organization and find people who care about their jobs. 

7. What hobby would you want to try if time or money was not an issue?

I grew up playing in the outdoors and did a lot of hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. I’ve played around with golf a little bit and would like to dive into it further. There is a beautiful course down on the New River.

8. What is the most memorable place you’ve ever visited?

I've traveled globally with the company over the years. I've been to China, and I've been all over Europe and the United States. Each spot has its own unique culture and environment.