CryoLife Expands Board; Adds Two New Board Members and A Wealth of Experience
John M. Cook is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The
Profit Recovery Group International, Inc., an international, publicly
held audit recovery firm operating in 36 countries, with 1998 revenues
exceeding $200 million. Prior to The Profit Recovery Group, he served
in a number of top financial and management positions in the retail
industry, including Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of Caldor Stores and Senior Vice President of Finance and Controller
of Kaufmann's Department Stores, both May Department Stores
affiliates. He holds a B.S. degree in accounting from Saint Louis
University, where he serves as a member of the Board of Trustees and
holds a seat on the Executive Advisory Board of the University's
School of Business and Administration. It is anticipated that John
Cook will serve on the Company's Audit Committee.
Bruce J. Van Dyne, M.D. is a board-certified neurologist in
private practice in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has served in numerous
advisory positions including as an Examiner in Neurology for the
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and as previous Chairman of
the Department of Neurology for Park Nicollet Medical Center in
Minneapolis. He received his medical degree from Northwestern
University Medical School and is the author of numerous publications
in the fields of psychiatry and neurology. It is anticipated that Dr.
Van Dyne will serve on the Company's Compensation Committee and
Technical Steering Committee.
Steven G. Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of
CryoLife, said, "We are very fortunate to have two such experienced
people join our Board. John Cook's extensive financial background will
prove to be an invaluable asset as the Company continues to grow and
mature. Dr. Van Dyne's neurological medical background and his keen
interest in peripheral nerve and vertebral disc injury will help
position the Company in these evolving medical technologies. Both men
have served in key leadership positions in their professions, and
their guidance will add significantly to our continued success. We
look forward to Mr. Cook's and Dr. Van Dyne's participation as
directors and to their contribution to the continued success of
CryoLife."
Founded in 1984, CryoLife, Inc. is the leader in the development
and commercialization of living human tissue implantable devices for
use in cardiovascular, vascular and orthopaedic surgeries throughout
the United States and Canada. The Company's BioGlue(R) surgical
adhesive, CE marked in the European Union for use in vascular and
pulmonary sealing and repair, is distributed throughout Europe. The
Company also manufactures CryoLife-O'Brien(R) and CryoLife-Ross(TM)
stentless porcine heart valves which are distributed within the
European Community.
Statements made in this press release which look forward in time
involve risks and uncertainties and are forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Such risks and uncertainties include changes in economic cycles,
competition from other companies, changes in laws and governmental
regulations applicable to the Company and other risk factors detailed
in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including
the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.
The Company web site is: http://www.cryolife.com
Editor's Note:
CryoLife Customer Service may be accessed by telephone:
1-800-438-8285 (U.S. and Canada)
1-770-419-3355 (International)
1-770-590-3753 (International fax)
E-mail: customerservice@cryolife.com
CONTACT: CryoLife Inc., Atlanta
Roy Vogeltanz, 800/438-8285