Al Franken: “I would like to honor a leader from my home State of Minnesota, William A. Hawkins. Bill, who is retiring with…”

“I would like to honor a leader from my home State of Minnesota, William A. Hawkins. Bill, who is retiring with distinction as the chairman and CEO of Medtronic, has achieved great professional success through his dedication to and advancement of life- saving innovations. Approximately every 4 seconds, the life of someone somewhere in the world is improved by a Medtronic product or therapy. Medical technology is an important solution to our Nation's health care challenges. Under Bill's leadership, Medtronic has helped to maintain Minnesota's world leadership in medical innovation. Bill has nearly 35 years of career experience in the medical device industry, serving in leadership positions at Novoste Corporation, American Home Products, Johnson and Johnson, Guidant Corporation, and Eli Lilly. He began his medical technology career with Carolina Medical Electronics in 1977. While reflecting on his career at Medtronic, he recently said, ``I have seen many product launches--from the ear thermometer to the automatic external defibrillator.'' 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.…”