Scott Whitaker is president and CEO of AdvaMed, the world’s largest medical technology association. AdvaMed members make the medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems that are transforming health care through earlier disease detection, less invasive procedures and more effective treatments, to help people live longer, healthier lives. AdvaMed members range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies.
As CEO of AdvaMed, Whitaker is the voice of the medical technology industry. He is widely recognized as a top health care advocate and policy expert with experience across multiple health policy sectors, having worked successfully with diverse stakeholder groups – including hospital, patient and physician groups, regulators, public and private payers, and global trade organizations – to advance medical technology innovation and timely patient access to next-generation treatments and cures.
Prior to AdvaMed, Whitaker was chief operating officer of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the world’s largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, and president of the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest biotech conference. Having served as COO of BIO since 2005, Whitaker brings a deep knowledge of the medical technology innovation ecosystem, a wealth of health care advocacy expertise, and strong working relationships with patient groups and other industry stakeholders.
Whitaker also previously served as chief of staff of the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS) – a cabinet agency with 67,000 employees and a budget of $550 billion – from 2003 to 2005. As HHS chief of staff, Whitaker managed the day-to-day operations of the department; led the department’s activities on all major policy and management issues and initiatives; and served as the top liaison to the White House on policy, manangement and political matters. He also served as assistant secretary for legislation at HHS from 2001 to 2003. Whitaker began his Washington career on Capitol Hill, where he worked for U.S. Senator Don Nickles (R-Okla.).
Whitaker holds a master’s degree in government from Johns Hopkins University and a degree in political science from Palm Beach Atlantic University.