TechNation's 40 Under 40: Class of 2023

40 UNDER 40 CLASS OF 2023

MD YPat

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AT

Thank you to TechNation’s 40 Under 40 sponsors for recognizing the up-and-coming talent in the HTM industry. Your support of our young professionals will ensure the future of HTM is bright!

40UNDER 40 YP ATMD

TechNation magazine has announced its 2023 class of 40 under 40, powered by Young Professionals at MD Expo (YP at MD). The 40 professionals in this feature were nominated based on their professional achievements, earned merits and the positive influence they bring to the HTM industry.

YP at MD influenced the idea of starting the TechNation 40 under 40. Established in 2019, the purpose of the YP at MD networking group is to provide a space where younger professionals can network with their peers to share ideas, build relationships, and feel empowered to grow in their professional roles.

“Our first 40 under 40 class was announced in 2022 and was a huge success. TechNation is excited to keep our 40 under 40 an annual spotlight feature in the August issue. The 2023 40 under 40 class is made up of hardworking and dedicated HTM professionals who have done amazing work in our industry. We look forward to celebrating their achievements!” YP at MD Founder Megan Cabot said.

For more information on YP at MD, visit our site!

AARON WATTS

Unit Director at Crothall Healthcare Technology Solutions

Mission Statement: “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” -Teddy Roosevelt. This quote simplifies how I feel about my career. My personal accomplishments aren’t nearly as important to me as the future of this ever-changing field and opening the eyes of future biomeds that this job is more than a paycheck. Albeit a bit stressful at times, you rest easy at night knowing that you had a positive impact on someone’s life.

Fun Fact: I enjoy Clemson football, golf and I have my hands full at home with 3 boys.

IT Director of Clinical Engineering at Sharp Healthcare

Mission Statement: I hope to not only recognize my commitment to integrity and services to the HTM field thus far, but also improve my collaboration with other HTM professionals to develop solutions for issues affecting the HTM community and increase the HTM presence in hospital wide forums.

Fun Fact: When not working, I like to spend time with my wife and 6-year-old son who’s in various activities like taekwondo, piano lessons, etc.

ANDREA RINCONES

Co-Founder/Sales Manager at A&G Biomedical

Mission Statement: I enjoy engaging people on their level and striving to give my all to everyone I come across to ensure people achieve their goals personally and professionally; my happiness is found through the happiness of others.

Fun Fact: I had a nonprofit organization in Venezuela and for Christmas we dressed like Santa to bring gifts to children in underserved communities.

Faculty at St. Petersburg College

Mission Statement: My goal is to promote and educate others about healthcare technology management by creating great resources and content in health care, engineering and technology. In doing so, I hope to raise awareness of the HTM and biomed career fields

Fun Fact: I used to play Division I soccer for a small college.

BELL

BRIAN

Customer Success Manager at Asimily

Mission Statement: Learn and improve everyday while supporting others along the way and to stay positive, dependable, and take the opportunity to help improve patient care delivery.

Fun Fact: I am a twin and an honorable shellback.

VISN Chief Biomedical Engineer at Department of Veterans Affairs

Mission Statement: My mission statement is that of the Department of Veterans Affairs: “To care for him who shall have bourne the battle, and his widow, and his orphan.” This is a statement from Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address, and defines the VA mission to serve veterans. I embody this mission in my everyday work as a healthcare technology management professional. In my career, I endeavor to serve as many veterans as possible through supporting the life cycle management of the highest quality medical equipment, the increase of patient safety and good stewardship of the resources provided to the VA.

Fun Fact: I can play the saxophone and I enjoy jazz music; it’s a good thing I went to Tulane University in New Orleans!

CATHERINE WHITE CLARICE HOLDEN

COLLEEN HAUGEN-ORTIZ

HTM Quality Specialist at GE Healthcare

Mission Statement: To teach others the importance of what we do and bring about real safety to patients and education to users.

Fun Fact: I used to sing in a Metallica cover band and I have travelled to over 40 states and 5 countries. I grew up as a “snow bird” living in a motor home.

Healthcare Technology Account Manager at Renovo Solutions

Mission Statement: To do the right thing the right way, even when no one is looking.

Fun Fact: I am a huge baseball fan and I love listening to the Rat Pack.

COURTNEY HASCHKE

Director of Biomedical Services at Crothall Healthcare Technology Solutions

Director of Clinical Engineering at St. Elizabeth’s Healthcare

Mission Statement: “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” I developed the same love and passion for HTM leadership like my father. I spent the first 10 years of my career as a clinical engineering specialist, where I gained the majority of my experience working in the operating room providing technical and clinical application support for neurological, orthopedic spine, anesthesia and otolaryngology surgical procedures. Along the way, I knew I wanted to have a bigger impact on healthcare technology through better implementation of patient safety and processes of medical equipment. That’s where my desire to be in a leadership role originated. Today, I have a very challenging yet rewarding job of managing medical equipment operations for a six-hospital system in Northern Kentucky as part of the Cincinnati metropolitan area; serving a community of 550,000+ people to achieve the best patient outcomes through healthcare technology management. The most gratifying feeling is that both my father and I are making the same impact within the health care industry.

Fun Fact: Since COVID, I have developed a love for golf and I enjoy learning about history. One of my favorite TV shows is the things and people that built America on the History channel.

Mission Statement: Our mission can only be achieved by passionate, engaged people. The culture where such professionals thrive must have a rudder –Crothall values provide that rudder. Crothall services values are integrity, collaboration, accountability, professional development and leadership.

D’JUAN JAMES DANIEL ENDARA

Fun Fact: I am is a big gamer and a Star Wars nut.

Healthcare Technology Manager at Captial i, LLC

Mission Statement: After navigating the field as a technician for several years, I jumped at the opportunity to teach electronics engineering at the community college level and found the biomedical world there. I began my career with Capital i as a driven and detail-oriented healthcare technology manager dedicated to providing solutions for health care organizations across a diverse array of needs. With strong community ties, I bring a personal level of attention as well as vast company resources to assist my passion for education. It has allowed me to collect a diverse range of skills that I’m glad I can pass on to future HTMs.

Fun Fact: I traveled to 20 countries on 3 continents before I was 30. I am an Advanced Open Water SCUBA diver and enjoy hiking, movies, road trips, guitars, reading and traveling with my family.

Supervisor at Children’s Mercy Hospital

Mission Statement: We all have one goal and that is to provide the best care to our patients regardless if it’s in our hospital or someones elses.

Fun Fact: I make the best BBQ plate you will ever taste in K.C.

DEREK BROWN

DUSTIN SMITH

Senior Director of Industry Solutions at Nuvolo

Mission Statement: I’m trying to do my part for health care after coming from a family of clinicians. I try to facilitate reductions in cost to health care organizations through better business processes and transparency in regard to workload and accreditation needs. I find value in change and progression. We live in an ever-evolving world and work environment. Acceptance of change will forever be what differentiates success. With this mantra, I seek understanding of new systems, software, ideas and potential. Through this search, I find new ways to challenge norms and promote new efficiencies.

Fun Fact: I have over 70 hours worth of tattoo artwork.

BMET at Harrison County Hospital

Mission Statement: My mission is to provide high-quality biomedical service to a rural critical access hospital. I strive to use my extensive information technology background along with my biomedical background to repair equipment in a timely manner to keep patient care and safety the top priority.

Fun Fact: I like to play video games, collect Funko Pops and spend time with my family.

EARL MORRIS JR.

EDWARD REYES

Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist at Department of Veterans Affairs

Mission Statement: My mission is to purposefully use my passion and expertise to help veterans receive the highest quality of health care by ensuring all medical equipment and technology is available and safe for patient care. To inspire my co-workers and industry colleagues to achieve not only professional success but personal success which in turn, will produce a more balanced workforce. And, to be the best version of myself by leading with confidence, integrity and positivity; and to always be supportive and empathic to others in creating harmonious relationships. Fun Fact: I have completed multiple half marathons and have been skydiving (despite being afraid of heights).

Biomedical Capacity Building Project Manager at Mercy Ships

Mission Statement: My mission statement is to use my God-given skills to ensure patient safety and share my God-given skills with my fellow biomeds from Africa so they can contribute to improving the health care system in their countries.

Fun Fact: I lived on a ship for many years but don’t know how to swim. Kind of embarrassing!

ESSAH EMMANUEL

HECTOR GARZA

Senior Biomed at UHS

Mission Statement: I am a selfinspired professional who strives to do exceptional work. I am results oriented and strives to help my company reach new milestones on a regular basis.

Fun Fact: I have a 2014 red corvette.

Faculty Instructor of Biomedical Engineering Technology at St. Philips College

LINKEDIN

Mission Statement: To help teach the next generation of biomedical students that there is a great opportunity for being involved in everyday patient care everywhere.

Fun Fact: I like fishing, enjoying the outdoors and spending time with the family. I learned to play Fortnite after retiring from video games when I got married so my son could have a partner to play with online. I have a wife and daughter who have collected books over time and slowly took away my office at home.

ISAIAH LEDESMA

Clinical Asset Defense Engineer at HonorHealth

Mission Statement: My personal mission is to contribute to the advancement of medical device security, ultimately ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. I am committed to staying up to date with the latest technologies and industry standards, and to working collaboratively with medical professionals, our HTM team and cybersecurity experts to develop and implement effective security solutions. Through my work, I aim to raise awareness about the critical importance of medical device security and to advocate for the adoption of best practices in this field. I am driven by a deep sense of responsibility to protect patients from the potential harms of cyberattacks on medical devices, and I believe that by working together we can make meaningful progress towards a safer, more secure health care system.

Fun Fact: I started skiing when I was 2 years old, and in my free time I enjoy traveling the world and going on adventures with my family.

Biomedical Service Manager at CME Corp

Mission Statement: “Stay in the fight.” Everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about whether personally or professionally so lead with kindness. We are here to ensure healthcare providers can deliver the best care for their patients, to do this we need to be focused on the job at hand. I am a firm believer in promoting a healthy work life balance and strong work.

Fun Fact: I am a huge outdoorsman and enjoy all types of hunting and fishing adventures. I am also an avid runner, and firm believer in exercise. When the stress of the day adds up, l’ve found no better way to relieve tension than going on a run to clear my head. I enjoy running our family farm and raising a family that prioritizes spending time together outdoors.

JESSICA PITTERKA

JOHN WALLER

JORDAN ANDERSON

Chief, Healthcare Technology Management at Providence VA Medical Center

Mission Statement: I love the day-to-day of the medical center but also have a passion for national HTM work groups and translating my expertise/guidance and strategic thinking and the operationalization of my ideas for the VHA HTM community. I am organized and an outof-the-box thinker.

Fun Fact: I am is an adjunct professor at the University of Rhode Island with the department of electrical, computer and biomedical engineering where I teach a biomedical engineering capstone design course and a clinical engineering professional elective course for undergraduate biomedical engineering students. I am also a certified Zumba instructor!

Dialysis Equipment Supervisor at St. Davids Medical Center

Mission Statement: My mission is to serve others and battery pack their purpose to become the best version of themselves through the lens of the Lord. I promote positivity, positive energy and positive outlooks in every situation I encounter. A life lived in fear is a life half lived.

Fun Fact: I go by Tank Fields. My wife (Kayla Fields) and I are middle school sweethearts with three young boys; Stone (5), Steel (3) and Slate (2).

LANDON “TANK” FIELDS

LI CHIA

Director of Biomedical Services at Crothall Healthcare

Mission Statement: To provide world-class health care service through medical equipment that helps diagnose and treat patients who, in some cases, could be ourselves or a loved one.

Fun Fact: I enjoy parenthood, soccer and swimming.

Director of Biomedical Engineering at Choctaw Nation Regional Medical Clinic

Mission Statement: Provide the best possible patient care to the community we serve by providing safe and the-state-of-the-art technology.

Fun Fact: I am a vegetarian since birth and have never ever tasted any kind of meat that includes fish, chicken or any other animals.

MANASI GHATPANDE

MARGARITA ALVARADO

Lead Service Engineer at FOBI Medical

Mission Statement: I have been a biomed/imaging tech over 18 years and I never stop learning, every day is a blessing. I want to continue my journey to become the best I can be and inspire others to do the same. The challenge is in ourself ... not competing with others but helping each other bring out the best. Our goals are prioritizing patient safety and leading the new generation to do the same. As a female minority, I hope to help build confidence in other women to be more than they thought they could be.

Fun Fact: I’m an adrenaline junkie. I love to skydive and do anything adventurous. Of course, spending time with my kids as well.

Director of Product Managemnet at Fluke Biomedical

Mission Statement: (Professional) “We empower our everyday heroes to focus only on protecting lives.” (Personal) “Rise to the challenge, do the best you can, in the most enjoyable way possible, and leave an impact”.

Fun Fact: Both of my parents are deaf, so my first language is actually American Sign Language. My brother is also hearing impaired, like me, so we learned English later from family members and school.

MICHAEL RAICHE

INNOVATUS IMAGING

Centers of Excellence for MRI Coil Repair, Ultrasound Probe Repair, and Design and Manufacturing

Mission Statement: Assist healthcare facilities in realizing significant savings and improve upon the quality of patient care by extending the lifecycle of imaging devices.

Innovatus Imaging’s Center of Excellence for Ultrasound Probe Repair was founded on a 35+ year heritage leveraging the expertise and vision of Dennis Wulf, the company’s Chairman. Wulf pioneered ultrasound probe repair in the mid-1980s, years before others entered the industry. In those early days, many independent service organizations (ISOs) outsourced their probe repairs to Wulf’s facility in Tulsa, OK. Having performed over 185,000 repairs since 2000, Innovatus is recognized as the premier ultrasound probe repair provider and is a trusted partner of OEMs, ISOs, and healthcare facilities worldwide.

On a similar timeline began the legacy of Innovatus’ MRI Coil Center of Excellence. Once a contract manufacturer and service center of MRI coils for multiple OEMs, the company expanded to include multi-vendor service of MRI coils. With over 40,000 coil repairs, Innovatus remains a service center for multiple OEMs. The organization brings an OEM standard of quality to the ISO market and supports healthcare organizations around the globe.

The company’s capstone is the Center of Excellence for Design and Manufacturing. The FDA-registered facility is a contract manufacturer of ultrasound probes and ultrasound related devices for several very prominent OEMs. The facility’s cGMP’s (Current Good Manufacturing Practices), engineering expertise, and acoustic testing lab assist to verify and validate repair processes for the Tulsa Center of Excellence.

Director of Business Development & Marketing at Ampronix

Mission Statement: I am a blessed, groovy seasoned medical marketing and sales executive who has received presidential and multi-congressional awards with 15-plus years of government relations and sales team management experience with various leading organizations.

Fun Fact: I am a three-time world record holder in which one world record is still unbroken! I have set the world record for not blinking two times (my personal best is 1 hour 5 seconds) and am still the current world record holder for “Longest Rodeo Bull Ride While Wearing Eyeglasses” in which I rode a real bull in a semi-professional tournament for 7.8 seconds.

Manager of Clinical Enginering at Cedars-Sinai

Mission Statement: My mission is to use my gifts and talents to ensure the safety, effectiveness and sustainability of clinical technologies and systems, ultimately – along with and through my team –improving the health and the quality of life of my community.

Fun Fact: I am Italian, the correct pronunciation of my name is not what you think. It is [miʹkε:le]

MICHAEL THOMAS

MICHELE MANZOLI

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MIRANDA BARAS

Clinical Support Manager at Vizzia Technologies

Mission Statement: My mission in life is, and always has been, to improve the lives of others. I started my career in 2012 as an EMT/paramedic working on ambulances. In 2014, I moved to a clinical setting, working at the bedside in emergency departments and at a cancer center. Working in hospitals and clinical settings sparked my passion for healthcare technology and how it can be used to improve the lives of patients, families, caregivers and providers.

Fun Fact: I am deeply involved in animal welfare. While working for Animal Ark Rescue, I made a Tinder profile for a shelter dog named Henry. “Henry the Tinder Dog” went viral and was adopted!

Technology Director at Duke University Health System

Mission Statement: To deliver top quality patient care through exceptional technology management and transformative innovation.

Fun Fact: I enjoy spear fishing, scuba diving and almost all other water sports. I love nature and being outdoors. I was the captain of my high school robotics team and currently serve as the head coach for a local robotics team.

MOHAMED BADAWI

ENGINEERED FOR LEARNING ™

“Our commitment to our students is fueled by our desire to build and support the strength of this industry. Our support for the next generation of engineers starts with our leadership team and is emulated by every employee.”

NATHAN SMITH

Co-Founder & CEO of Imaging Diversified

Mission Statement: Using my expertise and creativity, I plan to improve the state of radiology worldwide. I plan to accomplish these goals through education, accessibility and support in radiology. My mission is to impact this world in a positive way and leave a legacy in my profession.

Fun Fact: I’m a big anime watcher! I get engulfed in the story lines and action. It all started with Dragonball Z and from there I was hooked. I continue to watch in my free time and connect with others that share the same love for it.

Biomedical Engineer — Senior Analyst at UNOPS

Mission Statement: Contribute with my experience and knowledge to equalize the gap that exists in clinical engineering and regulatory issues in Central American countries to raise the standards of care and quality for patients through healthcare technology management programs, education and alliances with international associations.

Fun Fact: I am a fan of Star Wars. I have plans to create a page for sharing information, tips and regulatory issues worldwide with the clinical engineering community that can allow others to share knowledge and find something that someone has already asked for, giving it a fun side with Star War’s themes.

OMAR GARCIA

RILEY VANHOFWEGEN

President of Tenacore, LLC

Mission Statement: To provide clinical equipment life cycle solutions to the global healthcare technology community through quality service delivery and dedication to continuous improvement.

Fun Fact: I worked on commercial salmon fishing boats in Alaska as a teenager.

Supervisor at UC Health

Mission Statement:: Savor the challenge in life and enjoy the adventure. Identify your passion, and let it drive you forward. If you run out of growth opportunities, review your list of fears and make some goals. Fear is an incredibly strong feeling but understand that passion and purpose come from the soul, and they are immensely more powerful. Expose yourself to new situations and listen to others so you can broaden your perspective. Make a list of accomplishments, but also value the failures and mistakes. Forgive others, including yourself, and let gratitude bring you true happiness.

Fun Fact: I enjoy hiking, fishing, road trips, gardening, metal detecting, Dance Dance Revolution, adventure/ exploring, Jeeping, family time, and off-road unicycling. Yes, I enjoy repairing things on my own time as well.

ROSS MODZELEWSKI

Director of HTM Cybersecurity at Sodexo

Mission Statement: My mission statement is what I like to call yesterday’s tomorrow. I believe who we are today is a combination of all the good and bad that has happened to us in our past (our yesterday), and our goals for who we want to be in our future (our tomorrow). Our present self is not defined by just our current achievements, but by the path we took to get there, what we learned from that path and, finally, the limitations of where we believe we can go. If we look negatively on our past, it devalues our current self and if we don’t set ambitious goals for our future, it limits our growth and potential. We have to understand where we have been and where we think we can go to truly maximize today. We don’t need to be perfect; we need to keep striving for better.

Fun Fact: My beautiful wife and I have 3 crazy kids, 2 dogs and a cat. Outside of work this chaotic group provides enough fun and excitement for one family. And, I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Senior Biomedical Engineer at Soma Tech Intl

Mission Statement: My goal as a lead biomedical engineer in the refurbished medical equipment industry is to prioritize the safety of our customers and their patients.

Fun Fact: I am a big fan of ice cream and relish the opportunity to sample different flavors from various locations. Whenever I visit a new place or travel to a different destination, my priority is to find an ice cream shop and try their different flavors.

DAVID

RYAN GONZALEZ SCHLESHIN

Regional Director of Operations (Midwest) at Crothall Healthcare

Mission Statement: Don’t sell yourself short; confidence and hard work go a long way.

Fun Fact: I love to travel and spend time with my family and friends.

BMET at Trimedx

Mission Statement: Keep inventory maintained and safe to use. Treat all medical equipment in a responsible way as if it will be used on myself, a family member or friends and do the best to keep all devices in good running condition. Connect with other teammates and health care coworkers, stay in tuned with updated knowledge.

Fun Fact: I volunteer to help and support even if others didn’t ask me to step in to help in a proactive way! Working on myself to be more patient and wait till they ask for my help because I think that would be better.

TERRENCE MACK

CEO, President at TIBS Corp.

Mission Statement: My mission is to make health care more affordable to all within the health care industry by providing alternative service and sales to health care professionals looking to meet a certain budget while holding to OEM criteria. I feel and think it is necessary to teach the next generation of people within the HTM industry the same skill sets I have learned. I do this by offering internships and scholarships and growth opportunities within our HTM small business.

Fun Fact: I love the game of basketball. I am a big fan of the Memphis Grizzlies, the Chicago Cubs, and the Dallas Cowboys. I am a foodie and since I spend a lot of time on the road I have a huge list of great places to eat. I love to travel and meet people.

CEO of RSTI Exchange

Mission Statement: (Personal) It is important to approach each day with a sense of determination to be a problem solver, no matter how challenging a situation may be. Keep a level head at all times. Take chances. Figure out a solution and stop dwelling on the issue. Move on and be better.

(Professional) Improving the quality of diagnostic imaging service through knowledge, education and fully engaged hands-on learning.

Fun Fact: Terry Speth - but not Terry Speth “junior” (Terry Michael and Terry Ryan). Novice guitar player, risk taker and traveler!

TERRY SPETH

MEET THE YPS AT MD PUBLISHING:

Gather with your fellow up-and-coming colleagues at our MD Expos, HTM mixers and on social media to network, share ideas and discuss our bright future in the HTM industry!

MEGAN CABOT KARLEE GOWER KENNEDY KRIEG

KRISTEN REGISTER SYDNEY KRIEG

STARR SMITH

EMMA VITKOVITSKY

KAMERYN JOHNSON

HAYLEY WELLS

EMILY HISE

CINDY GALINDO

JOANNA MANJARRAZ

TAYLOR HAYES

the medical product support network

“I love to use MedWrench. It’s the first place I go to when I have an issue with a piece of equipment.”

–Kyle Hutcherson, Romed Engineering

THANK Y U SP NS RS!