AtriCure Names B. Kristine Johnson as Board Chair

AtriCure Inc.’s Board of Directors is undergoing some changes. The company recently named B. Kristine (Kris) Johnson as chair and bid farewell to Scott Drake and Mark Lanning, who did not stand for re-election.
 
“Kris’ experience and counsel have been impactful to AtriCure over the past four years, and I’m delighted that she will be serving in this new capacity, particularly as the company executes on its many upcoming catalysts,” said Drake, who chaired the board.
 
Johnson has served on the company’s board since May of 2017. She is president of Affinity Capital Management, a venture capital firm that invests primarily in seed and early-stage health care companies in the United States. In addition, Johnson serves on the Boards of Directors for ClearPoint Neuro Inc., formerly MRI Interventions; ViewRay Inc.; the University of Minnesota Foundation Investment Advisors; and several private entities. Johnson was previously employed for 17 years at Medtronic plc, serving most recently as senior vice president and chief administrative officer from 1998 to 1999. Her experience at Medtronic also includes service as president of the Vascular Business and president of the Tachyarrhythmia Management Business.
 
Drake, the president and CEO of ViewRay, has served on AtriCure’s board since September 2013, and was chairman since May 2018. Lanning has served on the board since February 2006 and served on and as the chair of various committees during his tenure.
 
“I want to thank Scott for his service and leadership on the board, along with his guidance for our business,” said Michael Carrel, president and CEO. “He has helped me and the rest of the management team in profound ways, and we have been very fortunate to have him on the Board of Directors for the past eight years. I also want to thank Mark for his time on the board, beginning with some of the very early days at AtriCure. He has been a steady hand in helping the company through a period of significant growth, and his financial acumen and support have been invaluable to our company.”