Merit Medical Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: MMSI) announced that shareholders elected Scott R. Ward to the company's board of directors at the annual meeting of shareholders. Ward was elected to serve a three-year term.

Ward brings more than 40 years of experience in the healthcare and medical device industry, including nearly three decades at Medtronic, where he held senior leadership roles including senior vice president and president of the cardiovascular, neurological, and diabetes businesses. He most recently served as CEO, president and chairman of Cardiovascular Systems Inc., leading the company through its acquisition by Abbott.

Ward is the founder of Raymond Holdings, a firm focused on venture capital, strategy, and advisory services for medical technology and life sciences companies. He has served on numerous public and private company boards.

"Scott's extensive industry experience, strategic insight, and commitment to innovation will be tremendous assets as we continue advancing the company's strategic priorities," said F. Ann Millner, Merit's chair of the board.

Merit's board appointed Ward to serve on its Governance and Sustainability and Finance and Operating Committees.

Merit Medical, founded in 1987, develops, manufactures and distributes medical devices used in interventional, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in cardiology, radiology, oncology, critical care and endoscopy. The company employs approximately 7,600 people worldwide.