MDMA Announces New Chairman, Expanded Board of Directors

Growth of board follows increased membership, growing involvement of industry in advocacy efforts

WASHINGTON, DC – Following its largest attendance ever at the 16th Annual Meeting, the Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA) announced Eamonn Hobbs, President and CEO of Delcath Systems Inc., was unanimously chosen as the new Chairman of the MDMA Board of Directors.  MDMA also expanded its board of directors, a reflection of the growth and influence of the association as it advocates on behalf of the medical device industry.

“MDMA has been at the forefront fighting for medical device entrepreneurs and innovators as they seek to improve patient care and bring cutting-edge technologies to the marketplace,” said Mark Leahey, President and CEO of MDMA.  “Under Eamonn’s leadership and with the experience and expertise of the expanded Board of Directors, MDMA is in a strong position to advocate on behalf of innovative, entrepreneurial companies, as we address the challenges and opportunities before us.”

Newly elected Chairman Eamonn Hobbs, who follows the successful three-year tenure of Joe Kiani, Chairman of CEO of Masimo Corp., noted that MDMA members will be directly involved in the association’s efforts to share their stories of innovation and work with policy makers.

“MDMA has long been the voice of small and mid-sized businesses that are the backbone of the medical device industry.  My goal is to strengthen and amplify this voice on behalf of our members,” said Chairman Hobbs.  “The United States cannot lose its position as the global leader in medical device technology and innovation.  We must work diligently to ensure that an environment exists where patients gain access to safe and effective products, and entrepreneurs can continue to make new improvements and advancements in the health care field.”

MDMA’s Board of Directors added four new members:

·        Scott Huennekens, President and CEO of Volcano (San Diego, CA)

·        Dan Moore, President and CEO of Cyberonics (Houston, TX)

·        Rick Packer, Chairman and CEO of Zoll Medical (Chelmsford, MA)

·        Paul Laviolette, Partner at SV LifeSciences (Boston, MA)

At the MDMA Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors reiterated their commitment to bringing more predictability and transparency to the Food and Drug Administration’s 510(k) review process, as well as working to repeal or dampen the impact of the device tax that was implemented as a part of this year’s health care reform.

In addition, MDMA continues to work with its members and stakeholders to ensure a fair and equitable reimbursement process, strong patent protections and reforming group purchasing organizations.