Keith C. Valentine, B.B.A.'90

Department of Management - Outstanding Alumni Award

Keith Valentine transferred to WMU because academic advisors did not dissuade him from attempting both the business and pre-med curricula simultaneously. Valentine’s study of management and biomedical sciences proved the perfect combination, preparing him well for the orthopaedic industry where Valentine has spent the majority of his career. 

After eight years with Medtronic Sofamor Danek where he served in various capacities, including vice president of marketing for the rods division and group director for the BMP biologics program, the interbody sales development effort, and international sales and marketing, he served as vice president of marketing at ORATEC Interventions, Inc. (a medical device company which was later acquired by Smith & Nephew PLC). He then joined NuVasive Inc. where he has served as senior vice president of marketing and development, executive vice president and president before being named president and chief operating officer in 2007. NuVasive Inc. manufactures surgical implants for minimally disruptive spinal surgery. The company’s technology allows patients to leave the hospital after only one or two days with a full recovery for most patients within six to eight weeks and with reduced blood loss during surgery.

Valentine has participated as a Professor of the Day for the Department of Management and delivered a Distinguished Speaker Series lecture at the College in 2012.