Ronald Bracken
Ronald Bracken is an accomplished Research and Development Executive with 24 years experience in corporate R&D and manufacturing environments. He has launched numerous new technology platforms throughout his career. His expertise covers a broad array of medical products including: infection control, urology, implants, peripheral vascular, airway management, bowel management, brachytherapy, wound care, wound drainage, feeding, electromechanical devices and biopsy. He is a proven leader with strong analytical and problem solving skills. He can build consens...
Areas of Expertise
Medical Devices
Experience in all aspects of global product development and commercialization which include: strategy development, acquisitions, talent management, portfolio management, project management, technology assessments, budgeting, ideation, identification of unmet needs, product requirements definition, product design and development, clinical trials, process development and commercialization.
My Interests
- Health Sectors
- Medical Devices, Biotech
Experience
Principal
Paladin Biomedical Consultants, LLC | December 2013 - Current
Member Board of Trustees
Georgia Tech Research Corporation | December 2011 - Current
VP, Strategic Initiatives
CR Bard, Bard Medical Division | December 2011 - Current 2013
Led reinvention of $400M urology drainage business by identifying innovative new products which will transform the market. Managed research and development of new catheter materials with anticipated launch in mid- 2013.
VP, R&D
CR Bard, Bard Medical Division | December 2006 - Current 2011
Appointed to the BMD management board and assumed executive responsibility for all divisional R&D functions. Launched over 30 new products with cumulative new product sales over $600M. Experienced a 4-fold increase in R&D spending, had a 3-fold increase in personnel, introduced 3 new product platforms, and completed two acquisitions.
R&D Director
CR Bard, Bard Medical Division | December 2005 - Current 2006
Project leader responsible for C.R. Bard’s largest development program, the Agento silver coated ET tube project, as well as the $1.7M capital project for establishing the manufacturing operations. Responsible for the management of three departments: Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Infection Control Technology, and Airway Product Development comprising twelve engineers, scientist, technicians, and toolmakers.
Sr. Program Manager
CR Bard, Bard Medical Division | December 2002 - Current 2005
Managed teams of engineers who introduced new products including a 2-piece channel drain with sales exceeding $2M the first year, Complete Care™ antimicrobial urine collection systems, and the Ez-Lok™ safe sampling port for our urinary collection systems. Managed, the Agento silver coated ET tube project which included clinical trials, reimbursement activities, operations planning, and marketing support. Established the infection control technology research center.
Program Manager
CR Bard, Bard Medical Division | December 2000 - Current 2002
Led the development of two next generation infection control Foley catheters. Developed the product and submitted for 510k concurrence just 8 months after project initiation. Established a pilot manufacturing facility for process development.
R&D Section Head
CR Bard, Bard Medical Division | December 1999 - Current 2000
Led the engineering teams responsible for introducing several silicone Foley catheters: temperature sensing catheters, 3 way irrigation catheters, Lubri-Sil® hydrophilic coated catheters, Lubri-Sil® I.C. antimicrobial catheters and accompanying Foley tray configurations. . Served as technical project leader for establishing the Nogales silicone manufacturing operation.
R&D Engineer, Sr. Engineer
CR Bard, Bard Medical Division | December 1995 - Current 1999
Led new product development teams and managed entry level engineers. Responsible for all R&D activities related to silicone medical device development and the associated processes.
Senior Chemist
Schering Plough Healthcare Products, Footcare R&D | December 1989 - Current 1995
Developed a new silicone gel technology platform and launched 6 new products in 24 months.
Education
University of Southern Mississippi
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) | Polymer Science