AdvaMed the Medtech Association has appointed Melissa Torres as executive vice president of Technology and Regulatory Affairs to succeed Janet Trunzo, who retired after a 30-year tenure with the organization. 

“Our technology and regulatory affairs department is crucial to ensuring patient access to proven, safe, and effective medtech,” AdvaMed President/CEO Scott Whitaker said. “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.”

Torres joins AdvaMed with more than 20 years of leadership in the 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 is recognized for her strategic vision and expertise in shaping regulatory frameworks for medical devices, both in the United States and globally. Torres 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. 

Torres’ technical and executive competencies span regulatory policy development, global strategy, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional leadership. She has managed FDA participation in key international initiatives, including the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) and the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP). Torres has also played important roles in developing the Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) and participated in prior Medical Device User Fee Amendments (MDUFA) negotiations. 

Torres earned advanced degrees in engineering management and biomedical engineering from The Catholic University of America and an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from Vanderbilt University. 

Whitaker said Trunzo leaves a “tremendous legacy” at AdvaMed, as her “expertise, dedication, and impact are simply unmatched.”

On his LinkedIn page, Whitaker issued the following statement about Trunzo’s retirement: “As head of technology and regulatory affairs, Janet led the first-ever medical device user fee negotiation in 2002. Today, we’re working on the sixth such agreement—part of the foundation of a system she helped build and continually improved to better serve patients. Her influence extended far beyond the United States. Janet championed the global harmonization of high regulatory standards, earning admiration from regulators and innovators around the world.”

“As a colleague, she set the bar with her professionalism, warmth, humor, and impeccable style. And as a trailblazer, she opened doors for women in regulatory advocacy—reflected today in an all-women AdvaMed technology and regulatory team. At her retirement party last week, I summed up Janet in three words: Grace. Elegance. Brilliance.”