Meet The Management Team
Ryan Redford, CEO
With two decades of adeptly steering the creation and oversight of innovative product technologies across medical, defense, and commercial sectors, Mr. Redford has cultivated a profound expertise in intricate electro-mechanical, artificial intelligence, and optical systems. He excels in deploying product innovations that not only yield profitable outcomes but also effectively address global technological hurdles.
Dawn Bitz, President
With an impressive 28-year tenure in executive leadership, Dawn has excelled in C-level management, product development, and market launch strategies, working predominantly in the respiratory, anesthesia, and critical intensive care sectors. Her profound expertise and transformative leadership have been instrumental in driving the growth and innovation of both burgeoning medical device startups and large multinational corporations, particularly in the realm of mechanical ventilation.
Dr. Steven Reynolds, CMO
Dr. Steven Reynolds, a distinguished ICU physician at the Royal Columbian Hospital, is well recognized for his leadership roles and as the founding Executive Lead of the AIM Institute where he cultivates partnerships between healthcare and early-stage startups. An innovative inventor and dedicated researcher at Simon Fraser University, he holds the TB Vets Professorship in Critical Care, and has pioneered transformative interventions, leading large multi-center trials and groundbreaking research projects in the field of mechanical ventilation and critical care.
Dr. Elizabeth Rohrs, CSO
Dr. Elizabeth Rohrs is a leading expert in mechanical ventilation, with groundbreaking work in neonatal and adult care since joining the Respiratory Therapy department at Royal Columbian Hospital in 2007. Her significant contributions include developing a novel ventilation model, earning a Ph.D. for research on preventing ventilator-induced lung injury, and pioneering research in phrenic nerve pacing to mitigate ventilator-induced injuries, all while championing mechanical ventilation advancements in her role as Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy.
James Polsen, CFO
With a vast 35-year career spanning corporate finance, treasury management, strategic planning, and investment banking, this professional exhibits a deep-rooted understanding of executive financial practices. A seasoned specialist in investment acquisition and stewardship, they have impressively facilitated the closing of $1.7 billion in both debt and equity capital, demonstrating their proficiency in driving financial growth.
Dr. Janet Reveda, CTO
Dr. Janet Roveda stands at the forefront of the intersection between AI and healthcare, with her work significantly impacting both the fields of Electrical and Computer Engineering, as well as Biomedical Engineering. She has mastered the application of AI, with a specific focus on neural networks and machine learning, to a range of complex healthcare challenges, and is renowned for her advancements in low-power, real-time data acquisition design and high-performance multicore platform design.
Notably, Dr. Roveda's substantial contributions to the AI sciences led her to receive the prestigious Presidential Early Achievement Award for Science and Engineering at the White House, cementing her status as a trailblazer in leveraging AI to enhance healthcare solutions. Her pioneering work, housed within the prestigious BIO5 Institute, continually expands the possibilities of AI applications in the biomedical engineering landscape.
David Winters, COO
18 years of executive management and growth-focused leadership across finance, telecommunications, consumer services, and defense. Recognized for an accomplished record of high-level operational management driving growth of regional, national, and global companies. Specialized experience with early stage companies in designing, overseeing, and enhancing organizational processes, project management, and corporate planning and operations.
Kelsey Lee, CRO
With over 14 years of experience, Kelsey has excelled in creating complex regulatory strategies, obtaining global regulatory approvals, and navigating the fluid landscape of in vitro diagnostics. She has successful FDA premarket notifications across orthopedics, patient monitoring, and critical care ventilation. Her deep knowledge of the regulatory landscape, quality requirements, and project management skills have moved the needle in both biotech startups and in large multinational corporations.
Eric Klumper, CQO
Eric has over 14 years of engineering, project management, and quality experience within the medical device industry. Eric enables efficient product development through his expertise of curating and implementing Quality Management Systems. He is a known expert at taking a concept through the product development process and was responsible for the successful launch of more than 10 medical devices across different technologies, including ENT, wheelchairs, prosthetics, and electrosurgical devices.
Tricia Strong, Director of Product Management
Tricia is a seasoned marketing executive with over a decade of experience in the medical device sector, specializing in product development, commercialization, and lifecycle management. She has significantly enhanced lead generation and established a robust commercial pipeline through strategic market analysis and cross-functional team collaboration. Previously, Tricia held pivotal roles at Bolder Surgical and Spectranetics, where she successfully launched numerous surgical devices and developed comprehensive global marketing strategies. With a Master of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota and a professional background marked by rapid promotions and substantial business impacts, Tricia continues to drive innovation and market success in her leadership roles.
Erin Wehrly, Director of Market Management
Erin Wehrly is a dynamic leader in the medical device industry, renowned for her comprehensive expertise in strategic marketing and product management. Previously, Erin held influential positions at W.L. Gore & Associates and Covidien PLC, spearheading key projects that include launching the groundbreaking BiZact™ tonsillectomy device and developing a 15-year strategic plan for US Vascular Strategic Marketing. With a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a minor in Business from the University of Tennessee, Erin's career is distinguished by her ability to drive product innovation and market leadership, fostering substantial revenue growth and industry recognition.
Our
Locations
Black Fur Medical is a rapidly expanding innovator in the AI medical device industry, strategically positioned to pioneer advancements in healthcare technology. Our headquarters in Irvine, CA serves as a central hub for research and development, supporting our mission to deliver state-of-the-art medical solutions globally. Additionally, our satellite offices across the globe house specialized teams dedicated to market research, regulatory affairs, and customer engagement, ensuring we remain at the forefront of industry needs and compliance standards. These strategic locations facilitate seamless collaboration and innovation, enabling us to quickly adapt and respond to the dynamic demands of the medical device landscape. As we continue to grow, Black Fur Medical is committed to expanding its geographic footprint and enhancing its capabilities to revolutionize patient care through cutting-edge AI integration.