WARSAW — While Slate Auto is capturing national attention as it prepares to open its manufacturing facility in Warsaw, the robust local orthopedic industry — and specifically OrthoWorx — is having another memorable year. 

The non-profit, which works to support the orthopedic industry in Warsaw in various ways, will host its first-ever OrthoWorx Summit on Wednesday in Winona Lake.

The event at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center begins at 1 p.m. and will include speeches and group discussions, and is a chance for guests to further appreciate what's happening locally in orthopedics.

OrthoWorks CEO and President Ryan Christner calls it "a deliberate convening of the entire ecosystem."

“We want anybody in attendance to come and understand … some of the history about the Orthopedic Capital of the World, what OrthoWorx has done in the past, but also, and more importantly, how to engage in the future to help write the next chapter of the Orthopedic Capital of the World," Christner said in a recent interview with News Now Warsaw.

The program will include a "fireside chat," a keynote speech and a handful of breakout sessions on a variety of subjects, including innovation.

You can learn more about how to participate with this link.

The local industry is also seeing a direct benefit from another event held in December of last year.

The first-ever Made Here Manufacturing Showcase highlighted local industry and attracted hundreds of people in Winona Lake.

Among those also attending were representatives of industry from outside the region.

Christner said the program was a key moment for a German company looking to establish a presence in the United States.

“We met with them the day after the showcase, and they were just amazed. They actually thought that we put the showcase on just for them coming here … They just were so in awe of the expertise that we have, 130 years plus of orthopedic expertise,” Christner said.

“They said right then and there, we're going to put a facility here in the Warsaw area,” he said.

The company, Amnovis, specializes in titanium 3D printing and is working toward opening a facility near North Webster. 

Much of the work will involve orthopedic applications. 

Christner said they'll begin operations with about 20 employees.

Christner was joined by Peggy Simmons, the CEO of KEDCO, the county's economic development wing, for a wide-ranging discussion about business activities in Kosciusko County.

You can hear it this weekend on In the Know,  the public affairs show that airs on Kensington digital media radio stations this weekend.

Much of OrthoWorx mission involves education that improves strengthening the workforce pipeline for local orthopedic-related companies.

Other highlights: The organization raised $3,500 for local STEM programs through a "Bones & Barrels" fundraiser and launched the Spring and Summer 2026 Orthopedic Scholar Institute series alongside local hiring fairs.

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WARSAW — OrthoWorx is celebrating a transformational milestone for Indiana’s life science ecosystem following the announcement that the NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana, led by Indiana University, has been selected as part of the National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines program.

The NSF Engines program is one of the nation’s most competitive initiatives, designed to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems by accelerating research, commercializing breakthrough technologies, developing talent and creating long-term economic growth. As one of only a select group of regions chosen nationwide, the NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana will receive $15 million over the next two years, with the potential to receive up to $160 million over the next decade as milestone goals are achieved. The initiative is further supported by $179 million in commitments from partner organizations across Indiana.

The NSF IMPACT Engine builds on the work of the Indiana Musculoskeletal Health Partnership for the Advancement of Care and Treatment, bringing together more than 170 partners representing industry, health care, higher education, research, workforce development, entrepreneurship and government. Together, the coalition will accelerate the development and commercialization of musculoskeletal technologies while creating one of the world’s largest integrated musculoskeletal data resources to support research, product development and patient care.

For Kosciusko County, the Orthopedic Capital of the World®, the announcement reinforces the region’s global leadership in orthopedic and manufacturing innovation and creates new opportunities to connect local expertise with statewide research, entrepreneurship and workforce initiatives.

“This is an exciting moment not only for Indiana, but especially for the Orthopedic Capital of the World®,” said Ryan Christner, president and CEO of OrthoWorx. “Our community has long demonstrated what’s possible when manufacturers, educators, health care providers, entrepreneurs and community leaders work together. The NSF IMPACT Engine recognizes the strength of that collaborative model and creates new opportunities to accelerate innovation, strengthen our workforce and improve musculoskeletal health for patients around the world.”

The initiative aligns closely with OrthoWorx’s mission to advance talent development, community enrichment and innovation while strengthening the long-term competitiveness of Indiana’s orthopedic industry.

“We are thrilled by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) recent grant announcement focused on musculoskeletal health,” said Dr. David Hoffert, Superintendent, Warsaw Community Schools, “As a national leader in STEM education, Warsaw Community Schools’ instructional practices and innovative methodologies served as a cornerstone of the K-12 programming included in the grant application. Through this investment, we are excited to see these best practices continue to expand throughout our community and across Indiana, helping prepare students for high-demand STEM careers and strengthening the future workforce.”

Grace College has long partnered with industry to prepare students for careers in orthopedic medical device manufacturing, innovation and business leadership. The NSF IMPACT Engine further strengthens those connections by creating new opportunities for research, workforce development and entrepreneurship.

“The NSF IMPACT Engine reinforces what makes our region exceptional: the willingness of education, industry and community partners to work together toward a common goal,” said Dr. Drew Flamm, president of Grace College. “For Grace College, it creates even greater opportunities to prepare students for meaningful careers while collaborating with industry leaders to advance research, innovation and entrepreneurship. We are excited to be part of an ecosystem that is shaping the future of musculoskeletal health and developing the talent that will lead it.”

The NSF IMPACT Engine also creates new opportunities to support startup companies, attract investment and bring groundbreaking technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace, building on the collaborative ecosystem that has made Indiana a global leader in orthopedic medical devices.

“Innovation happens when great ideas are supported by strong partnerships,” said Jim Lancaster, interim CEO of the NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana. “The NSF IMPACT Engine gives Indiana an unprecedented opportunity to unite researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, manufacturers and investors around a shared vision for advancing musculoskeletal health. By connecting these strengths, we can accelerate commercialization, attract new companies and talent, and ultimately improve quality of life for patients worldwide.”

To help the community better understand what this historic investment means for northeast Indiana, OrthoWorx will feature a dedicated panel discussion during the inaugural OrthoWorx Summit on Aug. 12. Leaders representing education, innovation, entrepreneurship, workforce development and the orthopedic industry will explore the significance of the NSF IMPACT Engine, discuss opportunities for the region, and examine how organizations across sectors can contribute to its long-term success.

“The OrthoWorx Summit was created to bring people together around the conversations shaping the future of our region,” Christner said. “There is no better example of that than the NSF IMPACT Engine. We invite educators, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, health care professionals, community leaders and anyone invested in the future of the Orthopedic Capital of the World® to join us as we explore what this means for our region and how we can work together to maximize its impact.”

Registration is now open for the OrthoWorx Summit, and more information can be found on the Events page of OrthoWorx’s website: orthoworxindiana.com.

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WARSAW — OrthoWorx has announced the sponsorship of the 2026 Peace Builder Award at Warsaw Community Schools and Lakeland Christian Academy.

This award was presented to one student at each of the Warsaw Community Schools and acknowledges their empathy builder characteristics, aligning with Warsaw Community Schools’ values, and furthers the OrthoWorx diversity initiatives.

The Peace Builder Award recognizes students who have shown outstanding citizenship and modeled the value of diversity through the willingness to accept and include fellow students and school staff. They have created a culture of helping other students thrive in value, self-esteem, self-worth, purpose, healthy relationships, and leadership qualities. Embracing diversity increases creativity and productivity, providing a welcoming environment for all people.

This award targets a student who has exemplified Warsaw Community School’s ‘Empathy Pillar’ as they “acknowledge others’ feelings, emotions, and experiences as valuable and as a result, all individuals understand, relate, and/or are moved to action by experience and perspectives outside their own.”

These students recognize what results from a lack of empathy in themselves and others and know that they are at their best when they deeply understand others inside their classrooms, community, and the larger world.

“The Peacebuilder Award honors a student who consistently demonstrates kindness, empathy, and a commitment to resolving conflicts peacefully,” says Brooke Friedberg, Talent Director, OrthoWorx. “This individual leads by example, fostering a sense of inclusion and respect within their school and community.”

OrthoWorx is proud to sponsor this award as it aligns with our mission of “fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment focused on sustained economic opportunity”. Award recipients were chosen by the faculty and staff from their respective schools.

Congratulations to the Peace Builder Award winners and thank you to all students that exemplify the Empathy Pillar.

The students who have been acknowledged are listed below:

• Harper Ferveda, Claypool Elementary
• Haley Fawley, Eisenhower Elementary
• Elijah Argumedo Mendoza, Harrison Elementary
• Jake Finley, Jefferson Elementary
• Knox Shilling, Leesburg Elementary
• Lydia Miller, Lincoln Elementary
• Lynken Harmon, Madison Elementary
• Vincent Jacoby, Washington Elementary
• Brenna Overman, Edgewood Middle School
• Baylee Wieringa, Lakeview Middle School
• Eva Demopoulos, Warsaw Community High School
• Mya Heaton, Lakeland Christian School

OrthoWorx is an initiative formed in 2009 in the Orthopedic Capital of the World® through initial funding from Lilly Endowment Inc, to fill a critical void in the industry, serving as a connector for industry, education, and our community, leveraging resources to drive positive change.

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WINONA — OrthoWorx, in partnership with Grace College, is excited to announce the Summer 2026 Orthopedic Scholar Institute Seminar Series, an educational program that is part of Grace’s Orthopaedic MBA program and open to industry interns and co-ops, young professionals, and others who want to learn about the industry.

The series will run from May 22 through June 26, with most sessions taking place on Friday afternoons, 1:30-4 p.m. at the Dr. Dane A. Miller Science Complex on Grace College’s campus in Winona Lake, Indiana. Each seminar features a different subject matter expert and offers participants an insider’s perspective on the complex and highly regulated world of orthopedics.

Seminars include:

• May 22 – Intro to Orthopedic Products and the Ortho Capital
• June 5 – The Orthopedic Hospital Warsaw Surgery Center Tour
• June 12  – New Product Innovation
• June 26  – Product and Business Portfolio Management

The Seminar Series is designed to engage students, young professionals, and community members with practical knowledge and career-relevant insights. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from experts, ask questions, and learn about the legal, financial, and compliance frameworks that keep the orthopedic industry thriving.

“We are pleased to offer the Summer 2026 series of the Orthopedic Scholar Institute, a key component of Grace College’s new Orthopedic MBA program, a one-year, hybrid master’s program that launched in May 2025. The seminar series aims to educate emerging leaders and connect them to the local orthopedic ecosystem,” remarked Allyn Decker, VP of Operations and Engagement at OrthoWorx, and industry liaison to the OMBA program.

For more details and registration information visit the Events page on the OrthoWorx website (orthoworxindiana.com). Individual registration is free for OrthoWorx member organizations and OMBA students, and $29 per session for non-members.

About OrthoWorx

OrthoWorx is an initiative formed in 2009 in the Orthopedic Capital of the World® through initial funding from Lilly Endowment Inc, to fill a critical void in the industry, serving as a connector for industry, education, and our community, leveraging resources to drive positive change. OrthoWorx was specifically designed to make our region the best place for orthopedic industry talent to grow and thrive.

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News Release

WINONA LAKE — Student entrepreneurs will take center stage on April 16 at the third annual Kosciusko Student Venture Challenge in Winona Lake.

The 2026 Student Showcase will be from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center at Grace College and is free to attend.

The event is hosted by the Kosciusko Student Venture Challenge Steering Committee in partnership with Believe in a Dream, Inc.

The Kosciusko Student Venture Challenge (KSVC) program now includes all local high schools, adding Triton Jr.-Sr. High School this year.

Partnering with KSVC has been a tremendous opportunity for Triton and its students, according to Joel Grindle, Triton Jr-Sr. High School Business Teacher.

“We have been able to connect our students with community members and entrepreneurs in order to help them build real-life businesses. It has been a tremendous experience for our students to learn and launch functional businesses in our community. KSVC has allowed our students to take their business Ideas and turn them into a reality," Grindle said.

The program, originally co-founded with regional entrepreneurship expert Steve Franks, has transitioned to local leadership. 

Student programming is now facilitated by teacher-coaches Scott Greene of Warsaw and Aaron Engbrecht of Tippecanoe Valley, and they've been working with students from Lakeland Christian Academy, Tippecanoe Valley, Warsaw, Wawasee, Whitko and Triton high schools. 

“Over the past several months, these students have shown an incredible level of dedication, creativity, and perseverance,” said Kosciusko County Coordinator and program co-founder Amy Roe. 

“They’ve spent countless hours developing their ideas, learning the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, and working through the challenges that come with building a business concept from the ground up. We invite community members to come out, see what these students have accomplished, and show their support as the next generation of entrepreneurs take the stage,” Roe said.

The goal of the program is to grow and strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by introducing high school students to an entrepreneurial mindset and foundational business principles.

The program covers topics such as initial business idea development, elevator pitches, prototyping, marketing and lead generation, financial goals and more.

“From my perspective, KSVC creates a powerful bridge between the classroom and the real world. While I teach digital media, the Student Venture Bootcamps bring together students from across the school who have ideas they want to explore and develop. Programs like this help students realize they don’t have to wait until after graduation to start building something that matters,” said Warsaw teacher, coach and co-facilitator, Scott Greene.

Visitors are welcome to come and go throughout the evening on April 16.

The schedule of events includes:

• 5 p.m. — Enjoy appetizers on us while meeting new friends and learning more about the program.
• 5:15 pm. — 5:30 p.m. - Welcome, Amy A. Roe, Kosciusko Community Coordinator, and Scott Greene, Warsaw Teacher Coach and Co-Facilitator
• 5:30 p.m. — 7:30 p.m. - Visit student business booths "expo" style. Peruse the rows of student businesses. You may even find something you can’t live without!
• 8:00 p.m. — Awards
• 8:45 p.m. — Closing remarks

While the event is free to attend, attendees should RSVP via the link below by Thursday, April 2, by clicking here.

Sponsors include: HELP Kosciusko, Believe in a Dream, Glaze Foundation and Don Wood Foundation as Lead Sponsors; Dekko Foundation, Gold Sponsor; Award Sponsor, Core Mechanical; and Supporting Sponsors, Grace College, KEDCO, Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce, Lakeland Christian Academy, Orthoworx, Plug & Play Kosciusko, Split Road Media, Tippecanoe Valley High School, Triton Jr.-Sr. High School, Whitko High School, Warsaw Community High School, and Wawasee High School.

Look for more updates on the Kosciusko Student Venture Challenge and opportunities to support the program in the future.

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WARSAW — The first job fair of the year in Warsaw is scheduled for March.

OrthoWorx, in partnership with the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, KEDCO, the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, and several other groups are sponsoring the first 2026 installment of the county-wide HireKosicusko job fair on Thursday, March 5, from 10 a. m. to 1 p.m. at the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion.

Job-seekers will have the opportunity to connect with and interview with:

• Cardinal Services
• Danco Medical
• Grace College
• Grace Village
• Hoosier Racing Tire (Plymouth)
• Legrand AV
• Maple Leaf Farms
• Professional Roofing Solutions & Construction
• Winona Powder Coating
• 80/20, LLC

Additionally, representatives from Goodwill Industries, Ivy Tech Kosciusko, LITE, Warsaw Adult Education, and WorkOne Northern Indiana will be on site to offer education and employment resources to job-seekers.

Prospective employers are seeking applicants with an array of skill sets and backgrounds for a variety of roles in their organizations. Starting February 5th, area job-seekers will be able to pre-register and upload their resume so employers can preview their info and set interview appointment times.

“We’re excited to bring the HireKosciusko Hiring Fair back to our community,” says Allyn Decker, VP Operations & Engagement, OrthoWorx, “For many job-seekers the hiring process can feel impersonal, especially when applications stay online and conversations never happen. This event puts people face-to-face with employers who are actively hiring, creating real connections and real opportunities. We encourage anyone interested to register in advance so they can make the most of the day.”

Other sponsoring entities include the Kosciusko Human Resource Association (KHRA) and WorkOne/Employ Northern Indiana.

To pre-register and upload your resume, visit hirekosciusko.com starting Feb. 5.

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WINONA LAKE — Everyone’s heard about the high-profile orthopedic firms like Zimmer Biomet, OrthoPediatrics and DePuy Synthes, but there is also a slew of smaller contract manufacturers that industry heavyweights rely upon.

[caption id="attachment_124395" align="alignright" width="420"] Thursday's event kicked off with an hour-long networking session that was well attended. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

On Thursday night, more than 300 medtech representatives met in Winona Lake to showcase those companies at 'Made Here: A Manufacturing Showcase 2025.'

Some are well established and well-known, like Tecomet, but many others with little name recognition outside of the industry took the spotlight.

The network provides what some at the meeting consider to be a full complement of what those companies would need to compete.

“As far as a complete supply chain between Warsaw and Fort Wayne along that US 30 corridor, there’s over 100 companies that represent the orthopedic industry ecosystem," said Ryan Christner, CEO for OrthoWorx, who helped organize the showcase with the lcal economic developoment team, KEDCO and Priority Medical, a firm which provides engineering and business solutions  to the orthopedic community from its office in downtown Warsaw

[caption id="attachment_124415" align="alignright" width="402"] On display at each of the dinner tables were copies of a book by Dr. Mark Klaassen, an orthopedic surgeon who began work in 1987 and eventually started a joint replacement practice in Warsaw. Klaassen was one of the featured panelists at the event. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

Another fact that seems to fly under the radar is the large concentration of orthopedic-related firms located between Warsaw and Fort Wayne.

"Everyone is using different vendors. Some of them are similar, some are different, and that's what makes our ecosystem so great is the interconnectedness that we have," Christner said.

Thursday night's gathering is the first of its kind in Warsaw, organized by OrthoWorx and Kosiusko County Economic Development Corporation.

The impetus was fueled by Priority Medical, a company founded in 2021 and has offices in downtown Warsaw.

Priority Medical assists companies with device development and design services.

Priority Medical previously sponsored several manufacturing roundtables with KEDCO.

“This is what came out of that, with Jake White with Priority Medical “We really started to challenge ourselves with how we can best put on display what is offered here.”

Organizers say they hope similar events will happen annually.

The evening featured a speech by Jay Pendleton, the founder of Medtech Voice. That was followed by a Q&A panel discussion and then a spotlight on 14 contract manufacturers.

Several of those speaking Thursday night said they see a strong future for the industry.

The orthopedic device market is expected to expand from $51.6 billion in 2024 to $65.8 billion by 2030, according to marketsandmarkets.com.

Innovations in AI and 3D printing are expected to further boost the industry’s future.

Among the featured companies included in Thursday's pitch were Autocam Medical, which announced earlier this year plans to construct a plant in the Warsaw Technology Park and employ 300 people with well-paying jobs.

The Grand Rapids-based company initially planned to move into the Medtronic plant along US 30, but Medtronic changed gears about moving jobs elsewhere and then announced last year it would continue to have a presence in Warsaw.

As a result, Autocam, after getting a taste of the local workforce after its temporary shared space arrangement with Medtronic, committed to expanding in Warsaw

Other companies include Complexus, of Mishiwaka, which offers robotic grinding and five-axis assisted milling; Sparc Engineering, a Warsaw company that started in 2024 and supports the medical device industry with robotics and process improvement, and Qualitex, of Columbia City, which manufactures external fixation rings, struts and clamps.

Pendleton recapped how the industry began in Warsaw and continues to thrive.

Much of that stems from the industry's foundation with Revra Depuy 130 years ago which then gained steam with Justin Zimmer a few years later.

"There’s something in the water. There’s something in the roots, he said.

“The truth is you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world, the innovation, the talent, the legacy ... the know-how that comes from doing it over and over again,” Pendleton said.

[caption id="attachment_124422" align="aligncenter" width="785"] Participants gathered for a photo at the end of the program. Photo provided.[/caption]

Below are a few more photos of the event by Dan Spalding, News Now Warsaw.

[gallery columns="1" size="full" ids="124410,124412,124413"]

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WINONA LAKE — Medtech experts and the public are invited to a meeting later this month that will showcase area manufacturing with a focus on orthopedics.

"MADE HERE: A Manufacturing Showcase" will shine a spotlight on the Orthopedic Capital of the World as it brings together orthopedic industry professionals from around the globe on Thursday, Dec. 18, at Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake.

The event is co-hosted by the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) and OrthoWorx and powered by local orthopedic company Priority Medical.

"With 130 years of orthopedic excellence, our industry ecosystem stands as a global model for innovation, collaboration, and expertise," said OrthoWorx President & CEO Ryan Christner. "This showcase brings together the brightest minds and bold ideas to shape the future of orthopedics and MedTech right where it all began. When innovation connects with expertise and education, the possibilities are limitless."

It’s the first of a multi-showcase series focusing on the rich orthopedic medical device ecosystem that supports the Orthopedic Capital of the World®.

"Five generations of manufacturing excellence will come together under one roof to answer the question: ‘Why produce your orthopedic medical devices anywhere else? If it’s orthopedics, it’s MADE HERE’," said Travis Christman, Priority Medical Operations & Quality Lead.

Emceeing the evening will be Jameil "Jay" Pendleton of the MedTech Voice, and the agenda will include dedicated time for connection and networking, a panel discussion with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Klaasen, Brian Hodorek of Ignite Orthopedics, and Erik Kanalas of OrthoPediatrics, and a unique showcase highlighting 14 local contract manufacturers.

"Our goal is to welcome OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and guests to forge new and meaningful relationships while unlocking new possibilities within this vibrant industry," said Christman. "Whether seeking a strategic supplier, technical partner, or a glimpse at the future of orthopedic manufacturing, MADE HERE is where it begins."

Orthopedic OEMs attending will gain access to consolidated supplier discovery and qualification, opening the door to streamlined strategic sourcing opportunities—where connecting with one supplier often leads to connections with many. The event also helps strengthen relationships across the ecosystem, gives attendees a clearer view of the region’s talent pipeline, and offers insights that support long-term growth.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the exceptional talent and expertise within our orthopedic ecosystem," said KEDCO CEO Peggy Friday. "When you create the right energy and bring the right people together, that’s when great business happens and lasting relationships are built."

Ticket registration is still open, but seats are filling quickly. Tickets can be purchased online at: https://bit.ly/MADEHERE2025.

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WARSAW — A new education grant is aimed at supporting people who jumped into the workforce with little college experience, but are viewed by their employers as having strong leadership potential.

The $250,000 grant from the Don Wood Foundation was arranged through OrthoWorx, KEDCO, and Ivy Tech Kosciusko County.

This award will fully fund the next two cohorts of Ivy Tech’s Applied Organizational Leadership Studies program, providing 50 adults across the region with access to high-impact leadership training at no cost.

Allyn Decker, Vice President of Operations and Engagement for OrthoWorx, was asked who this grant could benefit.

“This is really for anyone who is already employed but who is new to supervision or leadership or would be considered a high-potential employee,” Decker said.

Leadership development, he said, is always at the top of the list for companies.

OrthoWorx and the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) will sponsor all tuition, instruction, materials, marketing, and program administration for the AOLS certificate program over the next two years, according to a news release from OrthoWorx.

The initiative directly responds to a growing regional demand for "upskilled supervisors" and emerging leaders capable of advancing into new roles, the release said.

“Leadership development is one of the most consistent needs we hear from local employers,” said Jessica Hauck, Housing & Talent Manager at KEDCO. “This partnership allows us to meaningfully scale a program that equips emerging leaders with practical skills and real advancement opportunities. We’re excited to support another two cohorts and see the ripple effects this investment will create across our community.”

The AOLS program is a flexible, 18-credit certificate built for working adults, offering one evening course at a time from August through May. Coursework includes team leadership, organizational culture, conflict resolution, multicultural leadership, and personal leadership development. Students also earn transferable college credits that can be applied toward an associate degree.

This initiative expands a successful 2025 pilot and will fully fund 25 students per cohort, improving access to leadership development and addressing countywide workforce advancement needs.

“This grant represents a powerful investment in Kosciusko County’s workforce and future,” said Decker.

“The AOLS program has already shown the impact it can make on rising leaders. With this support from the Don Wood Foundation, we’re able to remove financial barriers and open new doors for individuals who want to grow, advance, and contribute even more to our community,” Decker added.

The grant program honors the vision of Don Wood by funding scholarships and grants that help learners earn credentials in fields aligned with the Foundation’s mission, including advanced manufacturing, technology, sales and marketing, organizational leadership, and entrepreneurship.

“We see the potential this program offers the community,” said Laura Macknick, President & CEO, Don Wood Foundation. “The Don Wood Foundation is pleased to invest in programs benefitting people who are ready to learn and better equip themselves for future challenges.”

The AOLS program aligns directly with these priorities by equipping adults with immediately applicable leadership skills while supporting long-term career advancement and employer competitiveness.

“We are thrilled to expand access to the Applied Organizational Leadership Studies program,” said Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne & Kosciusko County Chancellor, Kim Barnett-Johnson. “The support from OrthoWorx, KEDCO, and the Don Wood Foundation helps us reach learners who may never have had the opportunity to pursue college credit or leadership training. This program changes lives, strengthens employers, and elevates our entire region.”

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WARSAW — OrthoWorx has announced the appointment of Andrea Sullivan as the new Executive Director of the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI).

In this role, Sullivan will lead efforts to implement and advance the OIRI’s mission of talent attraction and retention through community amenities, strengthening and accelerating the orthopedic industry in the Orthopedic Capital of the World.

Sullivan brings 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.

“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,” said Ryan Christner, President and CEO of OrthoWorx. “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 lived 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,” said Andrea Sullivan, OIRI Executive Director. “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 Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (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, Andrea 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. 

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