In keeping with the Blunt administration’s pledge to lead Missouri in a new direction, Greg Steinhoff comes to the helm of the state’s Department of Economic Development with a wealth of practical business experience and a fresh vision for the department. He hopes to use that experience to improve efficiency in all divisions of DED, while also reducing barriers that currently exist to successful economic growth.
As director, Steinhoff is committed to working with community and business leaders around the state to build the kind of entrepreneurial business climate that will keep current businesses strong and also stimulate new business growth and job creation.
In announcing his appointment on January 18, Governor Matt Blunt said Steinhoff had the right kind of experience to meet his administration’s goal of creating good family supporting jobs in all areas of Missouri. Blunt said: “Greg Steinhoff has a keen understanding and appreciation of the challenges facing employers and entrepreneurs. I know that Greg will be an effective manager of the Department of Economic Development and an outstanding emissary to business leaders who are interested in relocating to, or expanding their businesses in Missouri.”
A resident of Columbia, Steinhoff founded Option Care of Columbia in 1985. His home base services company grew to employ over 400 people in mid-Missouri.
Steinhoff is well known for his involvement in local community activities, including Chairman of the Board for the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Area United Way, serves as treasurer for the Board of Trustees of Boone Hospital Center; a board member of the Regional Economic Development, Inc., Missouri Innovation Center, and Rainbow House; and co-chair of the committee that planned the Columbia Activity and Recreation Center.
As a result of his civic leadership, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce recognized Steinhoff with its 2004 Outstanding Citizen Award. Among his many other honors are the Sam Walton Award as Business Leader of the Year, the Businessman of the Year Award from the Columbia Business Times, and the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Arthritis Foundation.
He holds bachelor degrees from both the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy and Westminster College. He and his wife Holly have two daughters, Kristen and Lauren.
Revised April 2005