John DeFord

Dr. DeFord is currently chairman, chief executive officer and president of Samothrace Medical Innovations, Inc. Dr. DeFord previously served as the executive vice president and chief technology officer for Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) (BDX), a global medical technology company, until his retirement in May 2021. While at BD, Dr. DeFord also served as the senior vice president, research and development for the interventional segment from December 2017 to June 2018, following its acquisition of C.R. Bard where he had served as senior vice president, science, technology and clinical affairs since June 2007. Dr. DeFord joined Bard in 2004 and served in science and technology roles of increasing responsibility during that time. Prior to joining Bard, Dr. DeFord was managing director of Early Stage Partners, a venture capital fund. Prior to joining Early Stage Partners, Dr. DeFord was president and chief executive officer of Cook Incorporated, a privately held medical device manufacturer. He also serves on the board of directors of Nordson Corporation (NDSN), NuVasive (NUVA) and Blue Spark, Inc. DeFord graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in electrical engineering and a Ph.D. in electrical/biomedical engineering.