Judging Panel
We are thrilled to have such an esteemed panel of judges for the inaugural TAG Awards for MedTech!
With decades of experience spanning product design, human factors, commercialization, and innovation, this group embodies the expertise and passion needed to recognize groundbreaking advancements in healthcare. Their dedication to shaping the future of MedTech will undoubtedly help spotlight the transformative solutions that are making a real difference in patient care.
Tor Alden, FIDSA
Advisor, Strategic Design & Innovation
Tor Alden brings over 35 years of product design and development expertise, focusing on medical devices, drug delivery systems, and cutting-edge healthcare technologies. Holding more than 40 patents, Tor has a distinguished track record of creating user-centered solutions that address complex challenges and elevate patient care.
As the former owner and CEO of HS Design (HSD), Tor transformed the company into a globally recognized, award-winning consultancy specializing in medical and healthcare product design. Under his leadership, HSD became synonymous with innovation and excellence, contributing groundbreaking solutions across medical, consumer, and industrial sectors. Tor also successfully guided the company through a strategic acquisition, ensuring a seamless transition and positioning it for sustained growth and global impact.
Tor's passion for advancing healthcare innovation extends to his advisory and board roles, where he empowers organizations to navigate product commercialization, unify multidisciplinary teams, and implement strategies that drive success. His contributions to design excellence are reflected in his work as a juror for international design awards and as a member of key industry committees.
A member of the Industrial Design Society of America’s Academy of Fellows, Tor actively contributes to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation’s (AAMI) Human Factors Committee. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from Syracuse University and a Master of Science in Technology Management from Stevens Institute of Technology.
With a collaborative mindset and unwavering dedication to advancing medtech innovation, Tor continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of designers and innovators, championing impactful solutions that shape the future of healthcare.
Rick Greenwald
Investor
Rick Greenwald is an accomplished entrepreneur and biomedical engineer with more than 25 years of experience in building companies, developing cutting-edge technologies, and driving the commercialization of medical devices. His expertise spans technology and intellectual property development, licensing, strategic financing, and business growth.
Currently the CEO of Bionic Skins (Bedford, MA), Rick previously founded and led Simbex (Lebanon, NH, acquired by Salona Global Medical Devices) from 2000 to 2022 and co-founded iWalk (later BioM, acquired by Otto Bock) in 2006. He is also the co-founder and Executive Director of the National Institute for Sports Science and Safety, a non-profit organization.
Rick's career highlights include leading federally funded technology commercialization centers (TREAT and NEPDC) and spearheading projects in sports injury prevention, rehabilitation, and prosthetics. His innovations include the Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) System™ and ActiveStep® for fall prevention.
A Fellow of both the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) and the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), Rick has published 93 peer-reviewed articles and holds 24 US patents. He also serves as a trustee for the Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Vermont and New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Academy of Science. Rick earned his Biomedical Engineering degree from Duke University, a Master of Science in Engineering from Dartmouth College, and a PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Utah.
As a judge for the inaugural TAG Awards, Rick is eager to evaluate and celebrate innovative MedTech solutions that are setting new standards in the healthcare industry. He looks forward to identifying groundbreaking technologies that will have a lasting impact on patient care and medical practices.
Robert Austring
Investor
Robert Austring is a seasoned MedTech consultant, fractional CEO, and entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in the medical device industry. His expertise spans product commercialization, regulatory strategies, business development, and digital marketing, making him a leader in bringing novel and disruptive technologies to market across Class I, II, and III medical devices.
Currently serving as a MedTech consultant and fractional CEO, Robert leverages his vast experience to accelerate product development and drive commercialization strategies for companies around the world. His background spans various sectors of MedTech, including new product introduction, process optimization, and regulatory affairs.
Robert has held senior executive roles, including VP of Sales and Marketing at Precision Optics Corporation and CEO at Lighthouse Imaging LLC. His leadership has helped both start-up and established companies streamline operations, refine business strategies, and launch products successfully.
As a passionate advocate for MedTech innovation, Robert is committed to exploring emerging technologies like AI and digital marketing to help companies define their market segments and boost sales. He firmly believes in the power of education and strategic planning to address all critical factors— from design to regulatory approvals—to ensure lasting success.
As a judge for the inaugural TAG Awards, Robert is excited to discover and support transformative MedTech innovations that will shape the future of healthcare. His deep industry insights will be pivotal in recognizing companies bringing groundbreaking solutions to market.
Dr. MaryBeth Privitera
Co-Chair & Faculty, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation Human Engineering Committee; Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati; Fulbright Scholar; Principal, Design & Human Factors, Sentiar
Dr. MaryBeth Privitera, M.Design, FIDSA, is internationally known as an expert in medical product design, specifically in applied human factors. She is a professor at the University of Cincinnati’s Department of Biomedical Engineering and works collaboratively with the Colleges of Medicine, Engineering, and Design. She is the principal of Design & Human Factors for Sentiar, a medical device company specializing in augmented reality devices. She guides physicians during cardiac ablation procedures with an interactive, real-time, 3D interface. Additionally, she serves as faculty and co-chair of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation’s Human Engineering Committee.
She co-founded the Medical Device Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Cincinnati, bringing together the Colleges of Engineering, Medicine, Design and Business. Her previous academic appointments include the College of Design, Industrial Design, and in the Department of Emergency Medicine.
She has worked professionally as a consultant to the medical device industry for over 25 years on devices intended for use across the practice of medicine and for home use. Her current research focuses on applied ergonomics and design interpretation. She has conducted contextual inquiry studies internationally with results intended to inform the design of devices. She has been involved in the development of surgical tools, diagnostic equipment, combination products, software as medical devices, clinical decision support software, as well as intraprocedural augmented reality. In addition, she has received research funding from the Gates Foundation and the US FDA CDER Division. She is a Fulbright Scholar in collaboration with the University of Nottingham.
She has authored several peer-reviewed articles and books, including “Contextual Inquiry for Medical Device Design,” promoting best practices for developing phase zero medical devices. Her 2nd book, edited and written in collaboration with the AAMI Human Factors faculty, is titled “Applied Human Factors in Medical Device Design.” This book brings all references and best practices together in one resource compendium.
Rick Curtis
Principal, LAMM Dynamics Group
Rick Curtis is a distinguished executive leader with a deep-rooted passion for MedTech innovation, business strategy, and operational excellence. With over 25 years of experience in the medical device and manufacturing industries, Rick has been at the forefront of driving transformative strategies, fostering growth, and optimizing business performance.
As the Principal of LAMM Dynamics Group, he has led organizations across the medical, manufacturing, and business services sectors, helping them enhance efficiency, navigate complex industry landscapes, and achieve long-term success. His expertise spans healthcare delivery systems, supply chain management, and strategic investments—providing tailored solutions that empower companies to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
Prior to founding LAMM Dynamics, Rick served as the General Manager at Trelleborg Group, where he collaborated with pharmaceutical and medical device companies to develop engineered polymer solutions that improve patient outcomes. Before that, he was President of EirMed, LLC, leading the company through a period of significant expansion and playing a key role in its acquisition by Trelleborg. His leadership ensured a seamless transition, strengthening EirMed’s position in the medical manufacturing space.
Rick’s ability to identify high-potential opportunities and drive sustainable innovation makes him a valuable addition to the TAG Awards judging panel. His career has been defined by a commitment to excellence, strategic growth, and industry advancement. As a judge, he looks forward to recognizing groundbreaking companies that are pushing the boundaries of MedTech and business innovation.
Omar Ford
Editor-in-Chief & Journalist
Omar Ford is a seasoned journalist specializing in medical technology, healthcare innovation, and the medical device and diagnostics industry. As the editor-in-chief of Medical Device + Diagnostics Industry (MD+DI), he has earned a reputation as a leading authority in the field, offering in-depth insights into the latest trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements shaping the future of healthcare. Omar has a bachelor's degree in print journalism from the University of South Carolina. He is the 2001 winner of the Judson Chapman Award from the South Carolina Press Association and the 2003 McClatchy President's Award recipient. Throughout his tenure at MD+DI, Omar has covered a wide array of topics, including the growing impact of artificial intelligence in healthcare, the growth of the wearables market, and the ever-changing regulatory landscape in the US. Omar is also the host of the Let's Talk Medtech podcast.