Francis DuhayCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CO-FOUNDER

    Francis is an accomplished entrepreneur, corporate executive, heart surgeon, research scientist, and medical innovator. Double board-certified in general surgery (UCSF) and cardiothoracic surgery (Duke), he was Assistant Professor at Duke University School of Medicine. While there, his research led to 32 US and International medical device patents, including surgical devices that are used in thousands of heart operations performed annually.

    Francis served as chief of cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology at Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Region, and is Past President of the American Heart Association, Southwest Affiliate.

    After completing his MBA, he joined Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW) as Vice President and General Manager for Ascendra in Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy. Later promoted to Chief Medical Officer, his role was expanded to support Global Medical Affairs, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, and Health Economics and Reimbursement.

    Since departing Edwards, Francis has served as CEO/President of Kino Biosciences, Makani Science, Aegis Surgical, and Atrius.