NuVasive Appoints Executive VP, General Counsel

NuVasive Inc., a developer of minimally disruptive, procedurally-integrated spine surgery solutions, has hired Joan Stafslien as executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary. In this role, Stafslien will oversee the company’s global legal function, reporting to NuVasive’s chairman and CEO Gregory T. Lucier, and serving on the company’s executive leadership team.
 
Stafslien brings to NuVasive more than 20 years of experience as a legal advisor to medical technology companies. She joins NuVasive from CareFusion Corp., where she served as general counsel and corporate secretary from 2009 until its acquisition by Becton Dickinson and Company in 2015.
 
“Joan’s experience spans a broad spectrum of legal areas, including intellectual property, U.S. and International litigation, regulatory compliance, SEC matters and M&A, with extensive experience in the global medical technology sector,” said Lucier. “Joan’s understanding of complex medical technology companies on high growth trajectories makes her a perfect fit with the strong foundation we have established with our legal team. We continue to invest in building a world-class leadership team to support our growing innovation position in the global spine market.”
 
Stafslien’s career includes law firm and corporate experience. She previously served as CareFusion’s general counsel, corporate secretary and chief compliance officer where she led the legal team through the spin-off from Cardinal Health in 2009 and the acquisition by Becton Dickinson in 2015. Previously, she was the segment general counsel of Cardinal Health’s Clinical Technologies and Services from 2004 to 2009. Stafslien joined Cardinal Health through the acquisition of Alaris Medical Systems in 2004, where she served as deputy general counsel and assistant secretary. Prior to joining Alaris, she was in private practice with Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison. Stafslien serves on the advisory board of the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department of Northwestern University. She holds a law degree from University of Wisconsin Law School and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Northwestern University.
 
NuVasive’s highly differentiated, procedurally-integrated solutions include access instruments, implantable hardware and software systems for surgical planning and reconciliation technology that centers on achieving the global alignment of the spine. With $811 million in revenues (2015), NuVasive has an approximate 1,900 person workforce in more than 40 countries around the world. The company is based in San Diego, Calif.