THOMAS J. GUNDERSON

Director Since: May 2017

Committees: Audit; Finance (Chair)

Other Public Boards: None

Education: B.A. (biology focus), Carleton College; M.S. (cell biology), University of Minnesota; M.B.A., University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business

Career Highlights
– Chair of the Board of Directors of the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, 2015 to 2020, and continues to serve in the capacity of Immediate Past Chairman
– Executive in Residence at the University of Minnesota’s Medical Industry Leadership Institute, 2016 to present
– Member of American Heart Association Science and Technology Accelerator Committee, 2015 to 2017
– Managing Director and senior research analyst at Piper Jaffray (focus on medical technology companies), 1992 to 2016
– Project Director at American Medical Systems (private medical device company acquired by Pfizer in 1983), 1979 to 1992
– Recognized by several industry publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Institutional Investor, First Call, Thomson Reuters, and Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry (e.g., in 1996 and 2000, he was named an All-Star Analyst for medical stocks by the Wall Street Journal and in 2014, Thomson-Reuters named him “Top Stock Picker” in the medical technology sector)

Qualifications of Particular Relevance to Merit
Mr. Gunderson provides the Board with more than 25 years of substantive experience in the medical device industry, with a seasoned perspective on the challenges, trends and opportunities of publicly-traded medical device manufacturers, as well as a keen understanding of the Company’s competitive position within its industry. Mr. Gunderson also contributes a strong background in financial and economic analysis and valuable insights regarding business development and acquisition opportunities. Mr. Gunderson’s financial background and industry experience have been beneficial in his service as the Chair of our newly-established Finance Committee.