Lourdes De Cardenas Alfonso, Ph.D. Joins Orchid

Holt, Michigan-based Orchid Orthopedic Solutions has named Lourdes De Cardenas Alfonso, Ph.D. as chief quality, regulatory, and environmental health & safety (EHS) officer.

Orchid Chief Executive Officer Nate Folkert said, “Our mission is to be the premier provider of orthopedic implant solutions and the preferred destination for talent in our industry. We know that producing high quality products helps drive growth. To continue building on our mission, I am pleased to announce the addition of Lourdes De Cardenas Alfonso to the Orchid Leadership Team.”

Dr. De Cardenas Alfonso is an industry leader in, “quality control, regulatory affairs, technical services, business development, and operations.” She has spent more than 34 years leading pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing facilities across the globe.

Most recently, Dr. De Cardenas Alfonso was the executive vice president of innovation for San Juan, Puerto Rico-based Medical Card System (MCS). In the past she has held leadership positions with the following companies: Stryker, Patheon-Mova, Eli Lilly, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and IPR Pharmaceuticals. In addition to leadership roles in the United States, she has also worked in international locations such as Japan, Mexico, Europe, Ireland, and Puerto Rico.

Dr. De Cardenas Alfonso obtained her Doctor of Philosophy in chemistry from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Dr. De Cardenas Alfonso told OTW that she is most looking forward to “unleashing a highly talented team to achieve a pivotal evolution for Orchid!” She continued, “Great leaders are able to see and make others evolve into the best versions of themselves possible!”

Founded in 2005, Orchid provides orthopedic and medical device manufacturing services from its 11 worldwide operating facilities. It serves both original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and emerging companies. Orchid’s range of services include supply chain improvements as well as finished goods manufacturing. Orchid serves the following markets: hip reconstruction, knee reconstruction, spine, trauma, extremities, and sports medicine. Within these markets, Orchid “specializes in implants, single use instruments and innovative technologies.”