Movers and Shakers highlights the career advancements and accomplishments of leaders in diverse areas of standardization, contributing to the strength and success of the U.S. standards and conformance system.
Advamed, the Medtech Association, has named Melissa Torres its new executive vice president of technology and regulatory affairs. She succeeds Janet Trunzo, who retired after 30 years with the organization.
Torres has over 20 years of leadership in U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and international regulatory policy, most recently serving as associate director for international affairs at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. She has managed FDA participation in key international initiatives, including the International Medical Device Regulators Forum and the Medical Device Single Audit Program. She has held critical roles in developing the Quality Management System Regulation and participated in prior Medical Device User Fee Amendments negotiations.
She has led high-impact teams in both premarket and postmarket activities, fostered collaboration among global regulatory authorities, and driven international harmonization efforts to expand patient access to safe and effective medical technologies.
“Whether working with FDA, HHS, or other agencies, this department advocates for transparent, efficient, and established processes to allow innovators to navigate complex regulatory environments. Melissa’s years of experience with the FDA well equip her with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead in this critical role,” said Scott Whitaker, AdvaMed president and CEO. “AdvaMed is also grateful to have a seamless transition between Melissa’s start and Janet’s departure. Janet leaves a tremendous legacy and an outstanding team to continue the tradition of high value to our member companies and the patients they serve.”
Torres holds advanced degrees in engineering management and biomedical engineering from The Catholic University of America and an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from Vanderbilt University.
ASTM International recently honored Josh Coughlin with its 2025 James A. Thomas President’s Leadership Award for advancing the organization’s mission through extraordinary accomplishment, example, and vision.
Coughlin, a laboratory manager at Revere Copper Products, was recognized for his prodigious and enthusiastic service as a new member of ASTM committee B05 on copper and copper alloys. In under three years of membership, he has held leading roles within three B05 subcommittees and serves as liaison between several committees.
“Josh has used these roles to support several revisions and development projects within B05, and taken together, his accomplishments represent his trustworthiness and technical ability,” ASTM reported.
The award is given in honor of James A. Thomas, who served as ASTM International’s president from 1992 to 2017.
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