OrthoWorx has appointed Andrea Sullivan as executive director of the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI). She will lead efforts to implement and advance the OIRI’s mission to attract and retain talent through community amenities, thus strengthening the orthopedic industry in the Warsaw, Ind., region. 

Sullivan has more than a decade of experience in the healthcare and medical device industries, where she has held leadership roles in marketing, communications, and strategic community engagement. Throughout her career, she has helped organizations strengthen their visibility, connect with key audiences, and drive initiatives that foster innovation and growth. 

“Andrea’s depth of experience in the orthopedic industry and her long-standing commitment to this community make her an excellent fit for the OIRI Executive Director position,” OrthoWorx President/CEO Ryan Christner stated. “Her ability to connect strategy with impact and to bring people together around a shared vision will be vital as we continue shaping the future of Kosciusko County’s orthopedic ecosystem.”

Sullivan has resided in Kosciusko County since 1995, when she and her husband moved to Warsaw to begin their careers in orthopedics. Over the past three decades, she has been deeply engaged in community service and volunteer leadership, supporting efforts that strengthen workforce development, quality of life, and local collaboration.

“I’m honored to step into this role and help lead an initiative that represents such a significant investment in our community’s future,” Sullivan said. “Kosciusko County has long been the center of orthopedic innovation, and OIRI presents an incredible opportunity to build on that legacy, enhancing our region’s ability to attract talent, foster collaboration, and create opportunities for generations to come.”

The OIRI is a state-funded, three-year effort designed to enhance Kosciusko County’s global leadership in orthopedics by supporting quality-of-place, talent development, and innovation efforts. As executive director, Sullivan will serve as the primary point of contact for the initiative, working alongside community leaders, local and state partners, and regional stakeholders to bring the OIRI vision to life. 

OrthoWorx is an initiative formed in 2009 in Warsaw, Ind., through initial funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. to fill a critical void in the industry; it serves as a connector for industry, education, and the community, leveraging resources to drive positive change. OrthoWorx was specifically designed to make the Warsaw region the best place for orthopedic industry talent to grow and thrive. The organization acts as a catalyst, deepening connections among the various interrelated moving parts of the orthopedic industry ecosystem.