MEET THE MEDICAL 21 LEADERSHIP TEAM

Reshaping the future of Medicine with experience, dedication and collaboration in pursuit of improving the quality of life for coronary artery bypass surgery patients.

Manny Villafaña, Ph.D.Sc

Founder & CEO

Read Bio

Andrea Sweeney, B.S.

Vice President, Business Administration

Read Bio

Chaid Schwarz, Ph.D.

President, Chief Operating Officer

Read Bio

Erik Hermansen, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Read Bio

Jeff Vreeman, B.S.

Vice President, Manufacturing

Read Bio

Eric Solien, B.S.

Vice President, Clinical Sciences

Read Bio

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE IN COLLABORATION

We redefine medical technology with solutions that enhance patient care and streamline processes. Our commitment to research keeps us at the forefront of advancement by turning challenges into opportunities. Together, we empower clinicians and patients with better outcomes and a healthier future.

OUR MISSION

MEET OUR ADVISORY BOARD

  • John Babbit

    Partner, Life Sciences at Ernst & Young

    Read Bio

  • Robert Emery Jr., M.D.

    Cardiac Surgeon (Retired)

    Read Bio

  • David Joyce, M.D.

    Medical Director, Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center

    Read Bio

  • Lyle Joyce, M.D., Ph. D.

    Cardiac Surgeon (Retired)

    Read Bio

  • Gene Myers, M.D.

    Interventional Cardiologist

    Read Bio

  • Madhavan L. Raghavan, Ph.D.

    Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Univ. of Iowa

    Read Bio

The Medical 21 team has a long, proven history of creating incredible and lasting value in the medical device industry.

Medical 21 is Manny Villafaña’s eighth medical device company, having led the previous seven to IPO financing.

A History Of Innovation

Our Founder's Story

  • 1972

    Manny Villafaña founded CPI/Guidant in Minnesota and developed the very first lithium-powered pacemaker and defibrillator. His technology is incorporated into virtually every defibrillator and pacemaker around the world.

  • 2006

    CPI / Guidant was purchased by Boston Scientific for $27 Billion.

  • 1976

    Villafaña was the founder of St. Jude Medical, Inc. in 1976 and the co-developer of the St. Jude heart valve, which is the most commonly used prosthesis in the world. There are approximately five million patients with the St. Jude heart valve implanted.

  • 2010

    St. Jude Medical, Inc. was purchased by Abbot Medical of Chicago for $30 Billion.

  • 1990

    Villafaña then founded ATS Medical and developed the next-generation ATS heart valve.

  • 2010

    The ATS heart valve, is now part of Medtronic, Inc. through a purchase of $400 million.