Stacey Willard

About Stacey Willard

I am a science-driven product and innovation strategy leader with a PhD and more than 15 years in life sciences and bioprocessing. I work at the intersection of science, product, and execution, turning complex ideas into clear direction and solutions that move technologies from concept to real-world impact.I focus on translating scientific insight and customer needs into product strategy, portfolio decisions, and outcomes that matter. By partnering closely with R&D, technical experts, and commercial teams, I align priorities, guide investment decisions, and support adoption, with the goal of accelerating the time-to-market of life-saving therapeutics. I am known for bringing clarity to complexity, building strong cross-functional relationships, and creating psychologically safe environments where teams can do their best work. I value collaboration, transparency, and straightforward communication.Work that gets me up in the morning energized keeps me close to the science and drives innovation that advances therapeutic development and the future of life science.

Experience

1. Head of Commercial & Technical Programs

   Cytiva

   May 2023 — Present

   Developing a strong team of program managers capable of stepping into leadership positions within the organization. Leading growth and development programs for a global associate group of 1,400, creating committees on group mentoring, skill-building workshops, and 1:1 mentorship.>Collaborate with stakeholders across the business to define product, commercial, and go-to-market strategy, driving initiatives to implement the strategy effectively.>Identify opportunities to improve growth and innovation metrics, implementing and maintaining appropriate processes.>Partnering with peers across product platforms and functions to lead large growth programs, ensuring alignment with strategic growth initiatives and helping to achieve business targets.>Demonstrated leadership during significant transformation by developing and executing a comprehensive implementation roadmap for the team, leveraging change management strategies to secure organizational buy-in and ensure seamless adoption of new processes.

Education

• The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

  Fellow, Cell Biology

  2005 — 2009

• Niagara University

  B.S., Biology

  1994 — 1998

• University of Virginia

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Developmental Biology and Embryology