Ryan Christner elevated to chief executive at OrthoWorx
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News Release
WARSAW — OrthoWorx has announced the appointment of Ryan Christner as president and chief executive officer.
The appointment was effective on Monday.
Christner, a longtime orthopedic leader in Kosciusko County, steps into the role following his time as Executive Director of the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI).
“Ryan brings a deep understanding of both the orthopedic industry and the broader needs of our community,” said Terry Schlotterback, OrthoWorx Board Chair.
“He has already demonstrated his commitment to advancing our mission through his leadership of the OIRI project and his many years of service in talent development initiatives. His collaborative style, community focus, and industry insight make him uniquely qualified to lead OrthoWorx into its next chapter.”
A lifelong resident of Kosciusko County, Christner has over 15 years of experience in the orthopedic industry, having held roles in operations management, supply chain, logistics, customer service, and human resources at local orthopedic companies. He holds both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Grace College and has been actively involved in community efforts related to education, workforce development, and youth mentorship.
Most recently, he played a key role in founding Youth & the Outdoors United, a nonprofit organization committed to connecting local youth with outdoor recreation through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.
In his new role, Christner will focus on growing and sustaining OrthoWorx’s impact as a catalyst for talent attraction, retention, community engagement, and industry relations across the community.
“Stepping into the role of President & CEO at OrthoWorx is a tremendous honor,” said Christner. “Our community has a remarkable legacy of orthopedic innovation, and I am deeply committed to ensuring it continues to be a place where individuals and families choose to live, work, and thrive. We have a wonderful story to tell and I’m excited to build on our strong foundation and advance our mission of connecting industry, education, and community so we can attract and retain the talent that will shape our future for generations to come.”
Christner’s appointment follows his leadership of the OIRI project, a $30 million state-funded initiative focused on enhancing quality of life and solidifying Kosciusko County’s position as a global center of orthopedic excellence. Under his guidance, the initiative has already begun to unite stakeholders around transformative projects supporting long-term community and workforce development.
“Ryan has shown time and again that he can bring people together to solve complex challenges,” said Suzie Light, a Founding OrthoWorx Board Member, “His ability to work across sectors and his deep roots in the community make him exactly the kind of leader OrthoWorx needs to expand its influence and impact.”
As CEO, Christner will continue to strengthen OrthoWorx’s role as a convenor of partners and a driver of strategic initiatives designed to enhance educational opportunities, workforce pathways, quality of place, and cultivate innovation.
“Our mission of Advancing the Orthopedic Capital of the World® for Generations to Come has never been more vital,” adds Schlotterback. “With Ryan at the helm, we are confident OrthoWorx will continue to lead boldly, collaborate widely, and innovate meaningfully for the benefit of our industry and community.”
Christner lives in Kosciusko County with his wife and four children. An avid outdoorsman and dedicated community advocate, he volunteers, coaches youth sports, and brings a deep personal passion to OrthoWorx’s mission of impact-driven leadership.
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