MANAGEMENT TEAM

SARAVANA KUMAR, PhD

President, CEO & Board Member

Dr. Kumar’s talents range from product design and development to investor relations and commercialization within both small and large companies. Before his appointment to CEO, Dr. Kumar served as Vice President of R&D and Operations for 3 years wherein his team spearheaded the rapid development of AltaValve technology. Prior to 4C Medical, Dr. Kumar served as Senior Director of R&D and Operations at Conventus Orthopaedics, where his efforts led to the successful approval and commercialization of multiple novel fracture repair systems. Previously, he led engineering teams at St. Jude Medical for the successful development and commercialization of their transcatheter aortic valve replacement technology. His accomplishments include successful product development and launching of numerous medical technologies including a transcatheter aortic valve replacement technology, a transcatheter tricuspid valve regurgitation treatment technology, a stent-tissue technology for treatment of tracheal-bronchial infections in lung cancer patients, and multiple orthopedic devices for the fixation of fractures in the upper extremity. Dr. Kumar has authored more than 10 papers published in peer-reviewed journals, and has multiple issued patents.

KATHERINE (YEKATERINA) KUMAR, PhD, RAC

Senior Executive Vice President

Dr. Kumar has led the development of numerous successful medical technologies. She is known for synchronizing regulatory and clinical operations to optimize reimbursement and ensure successful product commercialization. Her leadership in building efficient and adaptable management teams has been quintessential to the success of several med-tech startups with limited resources. Dr. Kumar is also a recognized thought leader in the globalization of clinical trials and is a frequent national speaker on the topic. She is credited as a key player in developing the first ever medical device Early Feasibility Study (EFS) study protocol in Japan, an accomplishment that will impact the entire medical device industry. Prior to 4C Medical, she served as Vice President of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs at TVA Medical, Inc. (currently Becton, Dickinson and Company), Vice President of Clinical Affairs at Monteris Medical, Inc., Senior Director of Science & Clinical Affairs at Cardiovascular Systems, Inc., and has held various operational roles within small start-up companies. Dr. Kumar currently serves as an advisor and is on the Board of Directors for several small start up companies.

Dr. Kumar earned her M.S., Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from University of North Carolina – Charlotte, completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School and received Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC).

HARLEY HANDEGARD

Chief Financial Officer 

Mr. Handegard joined 4C Medical as Chief Financial Officer in June 2022. He has extensive experience working with both venture capitol and individual investors on the investment side; mostly recently contributing to the successful sale of a technology company and arranging additional equity for a Twin Cities software company. In addition, Mr. Handegard has 30+ years of experience in accounting, financial management, financial reporting and administration for small technology companies.

ADAM GALLOWAY

Vice President, Therapy Development  

Mr. Galloway joined 4C Medical in February 2024 as Vice President of Therapy Development.  In previous roles with Edwards Lifesciences, he built high-functioning teams supporting screening, physician training, and case proctoring for both clinical trials and commercially available devices.  He led teams that supported ventricular assist technologies at Abiomed, worked in medical affairs and sales at Cordis (Johnson and Johnson), and was a developer with Medical Simulation Corporation.  Before his medical device industry experience, he worked for several years as a cardiac cath lab technologist (ARRT) and is a subject matter expert in CT imaging reconstruction.

JASON DIEDERING

Senior Director, Research & Development  

Joining in 2017, Jason was 4C Medical Technologies’ first employee and led the development of Altavalve (mitral) technology. In his current role, he is responsible for leading Research & Development, including the development of our future tricuspid product. Jason has more than ten years of experience in medical device development, primarily spent in structural heart and minimally invasive technologies. He previously held roles at Conventus Orthopaedics, HLT Medical and St. Jude. Jason received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.

ROBERT PARSONS

Senior Director, Quality Assurance  

Mr. Parsons joined 4C Medical in May 2024 as the Senior Director of Quality Assurance. With over 30 years of experience as a distinguished leader in the Medical Device and Pharmaceutical industries, he specializes in Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs. Mr. Parsons possesses extensive knowledge of global regulatory frameworks and is committed to providing efficient and effective quality solutions while assuring regulatory compliance.