St Louis, Missouri, United States
With nearly a decade of experience in the medical device industry, I specialize in the development of handheld ophthalmic and neurosurgical devices, complemented by a strong background in engineering project and program management. As the current Head of Engineering at Katalyst Surgical, a Zeiss company, I oversee a talented team comprising four distinct project groups and 18 direct reports, focusing on pioneering advancements in neurosurgical and ophthalmic surgical devices. My commitment to crafting solutions that enhance lives and deliver critical care is what drives me, whether through direct product development or by steering project and personnel management. I had the opportunity to begin working with Katalyst in its early stages as a Mechanical Design Engineer, where I primarily designed ophthalmic surgical devices, such as micro forceps and endoilluminators for retinal surgeries. My career progression led me to a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role, during which I spearheaded the development of an innovative handheld ophthalmic surgical device that introduced a novel method for peeling the inner limiting membrane during retinal surgery—a project that earned a mention in the OSLI Retina Journal. As Engineering Manager, I lead a team of 18 and collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Quality, Regulatory, and Operations, providing consistent & accurate insights into our ophthalmic and neuro departments. When I'm not at work, I enjoy watching and playing sports, cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family, usually outdoors. Key competencies include program management, project management, engineering management, people management, mechanical engineering, medical devices, surgical instruments, strategic hiring, and proficiency in Microsoft Project, Azure DevOps, and SolidWorks.