MEET THE Event Speakers
Brendan Benner
Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for MDMA
Brendan Benner
Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for MDMA
Brendan Benner is the executive vice president of public affairs for MDMA, where he is in charge of communications, strategic outreach, and grassroots development. Benner has extensive experience in the private and public sectors, as well as working with nonprofits. He spent several years working in Congress, serving both as a Communications Director and District Director for former Congresswoman Melissa Hart (PA) and Congressman Jim Gerlach (PA), respectively. He oversaw and implemented aggressive media and outreach plans in these highly competitive congressional districts. Benner is also a veteran of numerous Congressional and Presidential campaigns. Benner is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar and a graduate of Georgetown University and Temple University’s Beasley School of Law.
Rosemary Coates
Founder and Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute
Rosemary Coates
Founder and Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute
Rosemary Coates is the founder and executive director of the Reshoring Institute, a 501c3 nonprofit and non-partisan organization focused on expanding U.S. manufacturing. She is also the president of Blue Silk Consulting, a global supply-chain management consulting firm. Coates also works as an expert witness on legal cases involving global supply chain disputes and has worked on over 60 legal cases. As a management consultant for 35+ years, She has helped over 80 global supply chain clients worldwide. She is an Amazon.com best-selling author with five supply chain management books, including The Reshoring Guidebook, 42 Rules for Sourcing and Manufacturing in China, and Legal Blacksmith: How to Avoid and Defend Supply Chain Disputes.
Nora Crivello
President & CEO of WESTPAK Inc.
Nora Crivello
President & CEO of WESTPAK Inc.
Nora Crivello is the president and CEO of WESTPAK Inc. and an independent testing laboratory network in California. Through her 20+ years at WESTPAK , she has been “boots on the ground” as a Test engineer, quality manager and vice president, making her uniquely qualified to now serve as president and CEO. Crivello is also the Chair of the ISTA Global Board of Directors and sits on numerous industry committees including Kilmer Innovations, Cal Poly Consortium, and ISTA Technical Committees. In her free time, she serves as Chair of the Board for Navigator Schools and raises guide dog puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind with her family. Crivello holds a BS from California Lutheran University and an MBA from Pepperdine University.
Christopher Joseph Devine
Founder and President of Devine Guidance International Inc.
Christopher Joseph Devine
Founder and President of Devine Guidance International Inc.
Dr. Christopher J. Devine is the founder and president of Devine Guidance International Inc. (DGII), a medtech establishment that provides consulting services to the medical device and pharma industries. Dr. Devine has over 45 years of combined experience in the fields of quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and design and development of medical devices. He is a senior member of the American Society of Quality (ASQ), a member of the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS), a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), and a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI). Dr. Devine received his doctorate from Northcentral University, with his doctoral dissertation entitled, “Exploring the Effectiveness of Defensive-Receiving Inspection for Medical Device Manufacturers: A Mixed-Method Study.” Prior to launching his commercial career, Dr. Devine served honorably in the United States Marine Corps. During his downtime, Dr. Devine is active in his community, volunteering as a deputy sheriff supporting the Search and Rescue Division of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.
Darci Diage
Owner, Founder, and CEO of TPL Consulting
Darci Diage
Owner, Founder, and CEO of TPL Consulting
Darci Diage, founder and CEO of TPL Consulting, provides consulting services for all facets of medical device development, manufacturing, and market approval, from concept to commercial. After more than 20 years of running complex laboratories and quality departments for medical device manufacturers, Diage decided to apply her unique contributions to the “total product lifecycle” to accelerate development timelines and launch products. Her BS in Molecular Biology from Sonoma State and MS in Biomedical Laboratory Science from San Francisco State springboarded her career in combination products, cardiovascular, peripheral vasculature, spinal, and software devices. Diage’s knowledge and expertise in feasibility testing, design control, risk management, and quality system implementation has further expanded her regulatory role, resulting in the successful submission of numerous device approvals in the U.S., EU, Canada, and Australia. With a portfolio of diverse device developments, Diage has firsthand experience in overcoming challenges within the design control process, given the continually evolving regulations and guidance documents. Having owned and operated TPL Consulting for seven successful years, Diage comprehends the intricate relationship between suppliers, service providers and contract manufacturers to get devices to the market and in the hands of users to improve patient lives.
Jim Fitzgerald
CEO at ATL Technology
Jim Fitzgerald
CEO at ATL Technology
Jim Fitzgerald has joined ATL Technology as its new chief executive officer. He brings an extensive track record of executive leadership in the medical device contract manufacturing industry, with a career spanning multiple globally recognized organizations. Fitzgerald brings a wealth of experience with him, having held CEO and senior executive leadership positions at Flexan, MRP Solutions, ITxM, Vesta, and Cardinal Health. His professional journey in the life sciences sector began at Baxter Healthcare, where he developed a deep understanding of the industry’s evolving landscape. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to operational excellence, customer-centric innovation, and strategic growth, making him exceptionally well-suited to lead ATL into its next phase of advancement.
Megan C. Frost, Ph.D.
Founder and Chief Technology Officer for Sterile State
Megan C. Frost, Ph.D.
Founder and Chief Technology Officer for Sterile State
Dr. Megan C. Frost is the founder and chief technology officer for Sterile State. She has worked on the development of medical polymers and their applications to devices for over 25 years. She earned a BS in Biological Sciences from the University of Notre Dame, a BS in Chemistry and an MS in Analytical Chemistry from Purdue University—Indianapolis, and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Dr. Frost was a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School.
Brent Hahn
Senior Vice President at Isometric Micro Molding, an NMT Company
Brent Hahn
Senior Vice President at Isometric Micro Molding, an NMT Company
For over 25 years, Brent Hahn has been recognized as a leading authority in the micro molding and materials industry, specializing in precision medical devices and innovative drug delivery systems. Throughout his career, he has led miniaturization strategies for groundbreaking micro advancements. His industry achievements include developing solutions for the thinnest micro catheter, leadless pacing, minimally invasive eye surgery, and micro drug-eluting devices. As a seasoned speaker and recognized subject matter expert, Hahn has educated audiences worldwide with his expertise in micro molding and miniaturization. He has been regularly featured in industry articles, conference expert panels, and as a keynote speaker. He also dedicates his time to mentoring peers, making a lasting impact on the plastics community.
Bryan Hughes
Managing Director at P&M Corporate Finance (PMCF)
Bryan Hughes
Managing Director at P&M Corporate Finance (PMCF)
Bryan Hughes is a director of PMCF and leads the firm’s medical technology team. His practice focuses on assisting clients with mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, private placements, financings, valuation, and strategic consulting. His clients have ranged from global medical technology companies to small, privately held businesses.
Ethan Mirsky, Ph.D.
Chief Product and Strategy Officer at NobleAI
Ethan Mirsky, Ph.D.
Chief Product and Strategy Officer at NobleAI
Ethan Mirsky currently serves as the chief product and strategy officer at NobleAI, focusing on the advancement of sustainable and high-performance chemical and material products. His educational credentials include a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of California, San Francisco, a Master’s in electrical engineering and computer science, and a Bachelor’s in computer science and engineering, both from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
John Nino
CEO at Life Science Outsourcing
John Nino
CEO at Life Science Outsourcing
John Nino brings over 35 years of leadership and innovation in manufacturing, product development, and operations across aerospace, medical device, and automotive industries. He began his career at Rockwell International’s Rocketdyne Division, contributing to the development of propulsion systems for the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. As CEO of Aveox and ECA Medical Instruments, Nino drove groundbreaking advancements in motion control systems and surgical technologies. He has also held senior operations positions for industry-leading BDC, American Capital Strategies (Nasdaq: ACAS), and Simulation Software & Services Leader MSC Software (Nasdaq: MSCS). Currently, as CEO of Life Science Outsourcing, he applies his vast expertise to support the evolving needs of global medical device OEMs worldwide. A University of California graduate with a BS in Electrical Engineering, Nino is Lean Manufacturing trained and holds several patents associated with pioneering surgical instruments and technologies.
Paul Orlando
Business Development and Operations Executive with Schivo Medical
Paul Orlando
Business Development and Operations Executive with Schivo Medical
Paul Orlando is currently working in a business development role at Schivo Medical since April 2025. Before joining Schivo Medical, he was with Olympus Surgical for 10 years, where he held an operations learnership role in support of M&A strategies and also served as vice president of procurement, where he oversaw the discovery, assessment, selection, and management of external solution providers, including finished devices, components, and design services. Prior to Olympus, Orlando held various operations, plant, engineering, business unit, and product development leadership positions with Motorola, Johnson & Johnson, and Vention Medical. He is a Boston native with more than 40 years of manufacturing, operations, supply chain, and engineering experience. Orlando has an Industrial Engineering degree from Northeastern University.
Derek Prince, Ph.D.
President of Prince Sterilization Services
Derek Prince, Ph.D.
President of Prince Sterilization Services
Derek Prince began his professional career working at Gibraltar Laboratories, where he became an expert across various compendial tests on sterile and non-sterile pharmaceutical and health care related products. He has experience performing and developing procedures and test methods for a variety of microbiology, virology, and molecular biology-related test services, including rapid micro methods. In 2018, Prince formally departed Gibraltar to lead Prince Sterilization Services, a leader in environmentally friendly and safe outsourced pharmaceutical and medical device sterilization, wash & pack services, cleanroom assembly and kitting, and RTU products. The company is FDA registered, cGMP, and ISO 13485 certified. As president, Prince leads a high-performing team and fosters a quality-minded, performance-focused, safe, and friendly work environment. Prince is a subject matter expert in microbiology and sterilization science. He is a member of two Kilmer Collaboration sterilization workstream groups focused on Parametric Release and VH2O2 sterilization. Prince has a bachelor’s degree in biology, a Master’s degree in microbiology, and a Ph.D. in microbiology from Rutgers University. He lives in New Jersey and enjoys playing hockey, hiking with his dog, and spending time with his family.
David Robson
Founding COO and VP Quality & Regulatory Affairs at Iantrek
David Robson
Founding COO and VP Quality & Regulatory Affairs at Iantrek
David Robson has spent his career concentrating on medical device development, including roles in R&D, project management, and regulatory compliance. In addition to multiple stints in startups and larger-scale OEMs, Robson spent 17 years at Ximedica (now Veranex), a contract medical device and IVD instruments design and development firm. In 2019, he was instrumental in converting an eye surgeon’s concept for micro-interventional glaucoma surgery instruments (MIGS) into a feasible and documented design suitable for human use. He joined the resulting company, Iantrek Inc., as the founding COO and was the primary architect for establishing the facility as well as the quality management system and the development of the company’s portfolio of products. As a result of Robson’s 35+ years in the medical device industry, he has accumulated an uncommon set of experiences with respect to outsourcing services, both as a customer and provider. He has experienced the many benefits (and some of the pitfalls) of strategically balancing permanent employees and vertically integrated manufacturing with outsourced expertise and services such as contract manufacturing.
Matt Rudow
Sales Director for NobleAI
Matt Rudow
Sales Director for NobleAI
Matt Rudow is a sales and engineering professional based in San Francisco, CA. He has a background in material science, failure analysis, material characterization, physics-based simulation, material informatics, and enterprise strategy. Rudow has helped global enterprises evaluate, adopt, and strategically deploy AI to improve their products and performance. He is passionate about demystifying Practical AI for leadership in the product, chemical, material, and energy sectors. He believes medical devices could see a revolution by embracing and leveraging AI for their product development needs.
John Schneider
Senior Manager, Global Supplier Management, at Edwards Lifesciences
John Schneider
Senior Manager, Global Supplier Management, at Edwards Lifesciences
John Schneider is a senior manager in the Global Supplier Management organization for Edwards Lifesciences and leads the commercial supply chain strategy for the packaging, advanced catheters and extrusion categories. He has over 25 years of increasing responsibility and complexity in the fields of sourcing, procurement and supply chain. His expansive global experience includes the medtech, semiconductor and aerospace industries. Schneider received his B.A.in Business Administration from Cal State Fullerton and his MBA from the University of Redlands He is also is APICS CPIM certified. Among his extensive endeavors, Schneider is deeply involved in various med tech and packaging conferences and leads the annual Edwards’ Supplier Partner Awards Forum.
Barry Schnur
President and CEO at David Schnur Associates
Barry Schnur
President and CEO at David Schnur Associates
Barry Schnur brings more than 30 years of medical device industry experience and is well-versed in the design, development, and manufacturing of medical components and devices. Under his leadership, David Schnur Associates (DSA) has become a leading global provider of outsourced technical sales and marketing services for the medical device industry. Leveraging a global network of partners, DSA consults with customers to objectively identify the right resources for their project, including materials, components, and commercial manufacturing strategy to launch devices efficiently and cost effectively.
Julie Schulte, MBA
Co-Founder and CEO of Chamfr
Julie Schulte, MBA
Co-Founder and CEO of Chamfr
Julie Schulte brings over 20 years of experience in the medical device industry. She got her start in the industry with a small contract manufacturer focused on implantable and single-use devices that was acquired several times and eventually became part of Greatbatch (now Integer). Schulte led sales, marketing, and corporate sustainability efforts at Vention before it was sold to Nordson MEDICAL and MedPlast (now Viant). She co-founded Meraqi Medical, a device design, development, and manufacturing services provider, for which she served as president for two years prior to its acquisition by Viant where she lead its design and development business as the vice president of commercial. Additionally, Schulte co-founded Chamfr, a medical device component marketplace, for which she currently serves as CEO. She holds a BS in Business Administration and Organizational Management as well as an MBA with an emphasis in Marketing.
Michelle Kennedy Scott
President and CEO of Gulf Sterilization
Michelle Kennedy Scott
President and CEO of Gulf Sterilization
Before founding Gulf Sterilization, Michelle Scott built a well-respected speech pathology private practice, which continues to thrive today, 15 years later. During and after the pandemic, she became increasingly aware of medical product supply chain challenges through conversations with colleagues and family in the healthcare industry. Her research revealed a critical issue: limited sterilization capacity, increased turnaround times, and growing concerns over the environmental and safety risks associated with traditional sterilization methods. Determined to provide a safer, more sustainable solution, Scott established Gulf Sterilization—a state-of-the-art facility specializing in chlorine dioxide (CD) gas sterilization. As CEO, she led the company through the rigorous ISO 13485 certification process and continues to drive innovation in CD technology, including process optimization and packaging development. Most recently, she was named one of Alabama’s top 25 women in Bio Tech for 2025. An active leader in the sterilization industry, Scott serves as a member of Bio Alabama, Florida Medical Manufacturers Consortium, Parenteral Drug Association, Women in Bio, Kilmer Modalities Team, the Biotechnician Task Force for ACCS Innovation Center and the Advancing Sight Network Innovation committee. She also contributes to the Industrial Sterilization and Sterile Processing Working Groups and is currently drafting TIR124: Guidance Document on CD Sterilization for the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
Matt Stekier
Principal—Supply Chain & Operations Consulting at Plante Moran
Matt Stekier
Principal—Supply Chain & Operations Consulting at Plante Moran
Matt Stekier serves clients throughout the supply chain continuum by quickly identifying improvement opportunities that deliver tangible results and lower costs in a variety of industries, including the medical device, food and beverage, footwear and apparel, military vehicle, and automotive manufacturing sectors. He earned his Bachelor’s in supply chain management from Central Michigan University and a Master’s in business administration from Wayne State University. Stekier also has obtained certifications as a Six Sigma Green Belt and in Theory of Constraints. A 10-year veteran of Plante Moran, he previously served in supply chain roles at Mercedes-Benz Technology and Ford Motor Company.
Jeff Wheeler
Director of Sales at NobleAI
Jeff Wheeler
Director of Sales at NobleAI
Jeff Wheeler is a technical sales executive based in Boston, MA, with a focus on enterprise analytics, advanced manufacturing, and Practical AI. He enjoys working with global organizations to unlock the full value of their scientific and product data—accelerating innovation, improving margins, and reducing regulatory risk. Wheeler has helped enterprises evaluate, adopt, and deploy science-based AI to streamline formulation, optimize product performance, and modernize decision-making across the product development lifecycle.
WHO HELPS US Our Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Supporting Organizations
SIGN UP TODAY! Limited Availability
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
Stay up-to-date on the medical device manufacturing industry through MPO!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.