Medical device exec will kick off TechWomen breakfast

Suzanne Foster of Medtronic will discuss career challenges, forming a support group

Suzanne Foster, vice president and general manager of the Advanced Energy business unit of Medtronic — a global medical device company with an office in Portsmouth — will speak at the New Hampshire High Tech Council's first TechWomen Power Breakfast of 2017 on Wednesday, Jan. 11. Foster will share the challenges she has overcome in her career and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people who provide inspiration, guidance and support. 

Prior to joining Medtronic, Foster was the vice president of operations at Salient Surgical Technologies. She has worked as an attorney at the law firms of Holland & Knight and Wiggin & Nourie and has also served as vice president of compliance and ethics for the Elliot Health System. Foster began her career as a clinical social worker at Portsmouth Regional Hospital and has a masters degree in psychology. She received her Masters in Public Health from Harvard University and her law degree from Suffolk University Law School. 

“Suzanne has an incredible amount of experience and great insight to share with us on what it’s like to take on a completely new role in a highly competitive industry,” said Candice Benson, who oversees the TechWomen|TechGirls events and is a member of the Council’s board of directors. “We are delighted that she is joining us to kick off our 2017 breakfast series in Portsmouth and look forward to her presentation.”

The TechWomen|TechGirls initiative of the New Hampshire High Tech Council builds on a strong community of women enthusiastic about technology and supporting efforts where girls are exploring STEM as a career or area of study. TechWomen|TechGirls holds programs for professional women to connect, collaborate and explore ideas around career development, technology initiatives, and innovation. The initiative also deploys volunteers and mentors to support academic STEM initiatives and events for girl happenings across New Hampshire.

The breakfast series will run from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Portsmouth Country Club in Greenland. Tickets for the Power Breakfast are $10 for members of the Council and $20 for non-members, and includes breakfast. Register here or call 603-935-8951.