[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BILL HAWKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIK PAULSEN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 2011

  Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a true 
leader from my home State of Minnesota, William A. Hawkins. Bill has 
recently retired as Chairman and CEO of Medtronic, the world's leading 
medical technology company. He has been an insightful leader and his 
legacy includes the launch of important new technologies, major 
investments in quality and innovation, and the successful navigation 
through an increasingly challenging environment.
  Bill's years at Medtronic have been filled with competition and 
innovation--serving with unwavering commitment to global growth, 
encouraging and acquiring technology, and growing the ability to meet 
patient needs in emerging markets. Under his guidance, Medtronic became 
a chronic disease management company and not just a medical technology 
company.
  As Co-Chair of the Medical Technology Caucus, I am a major proponent 
of advancing life-saving technologies for patients. I have worked with 
Bill for a number of years in support of the medical technology 
industry on many issues such as trade, tax, payment, regulatory and 
research policies. Minnesota is one of the top med-tech epi-centers in 
the country. It remains one of few industries in the U.S. that exports 
more products than it imports--approximately $36 billion annually. Our 
work helps to ensure that the medical technology industry continues to 
play a major role in the positive economic growth of our State and 
Nation.
  Bill has nearly 35 years of career experience in the medical device 
industry, serving in leadership positions at Novoste Corporation; 
American Home Products; Johnson & Johnson; Guidant Corporation; and Eli 
Lilly. He began his medical technology career with Carolina Medical 
Electronics in 1977.
  He joined Medtronic in 2002 as Senior Vice President and President of 
the company's Vascular business before serving as Corporate President 
and Chief Operating Officer. Bill Hawkins was named Chief Executive 
Officer of Medtronic in 2007 and assumed the additional role of 
Chairman in 2008.
  In March of 2010 Bill received the Biomedical Engineering Society's 
Distinguished Achievement Award. This award is given to recognize those 
that have made great contributions to the field of biomedical 
engineering/bioengineering.
  Bill is also committed to giving back to our community by serving on 
the Board of Visitors for the Duke University School of Engineering and 
the Board of Directors for the Guthrie Theater and the University of 
Minnesota Foundation.
  I am pleased to join Bill's friends, family, and colleagues in 
congratulating him on his many accomplishments, and wish him well as he 
starts the next chapter in his life. His passion for advancing 
innovations will keep him taking broad and bold steps to make the world 
a better place.
  Congratulations Bill Hawkins!

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