OREF Appoints Erika DeLeon as New Vice President of Innovation Partnerships

OREF Appoints Erika DeLeon to Vice President Position

The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF), a prominent organization dedicated to funding musculoskeletal research, has recently announced the appointment of Erika L. DeLeon as its new Vice President of Innovation Partnerships. This transition comes after the retirement of Dan J. Krupp, who held the position for several years and made significant contributions to the organization.

Erika DeLeon brings over 15 years of comprehensive experience in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Her expertise lies in developing strategic partnerships and leading initiatives focused on operational excellence and growth. Before joining OREF, DeLeon was the Chief Operating Officer at the Journal of Orthopaedic Experience and Innovation (JOEI). In her role at JOEI, she was instrumental in implementing partnership programs that emphasized emerging orthopaedic advancements and bolstered engagement with industry experts and MedTech partners.

Her impressive career trajectory includes pivotal roles such as Director of Integration Management at Pacira BioSciences and National Director of Quality at TeamHealth, where she was responsible for overseeing national compliance and quality programs.

DeLeon holds an Executive Master's degree in Healthcare Administration from Florida Atlantic University, and she has earned a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification. In addition to her administrative roles, she co-hosts the Connect 2 Develop podcast, which delves into leadership, strategy, and innovation within the healthcare landscape.

As DeLeon takes on her new responsibilities at OREF, she steps into a fertile ground. The foundation is a champion for increased funding in musculoskeletal (MSK) research, an area that significantly impacts over half of the adult population in the United States. The consequences of musculoskeletal diseases are staggering, with an annual economic burden of approximately $980 billion. Despite these figures, funding for MSK conditions remains disproportionately low, especially when measured against their societal and economic ramifications.

The former Vice President, Dan J. Krupp, is set to transition into a volunteer role at OREF after his retirement at the end of 2025. Lee Grossman, the CEO of OREF, praised Krupp’s leadership, noting his impact on strengthening OREF's relationships with orthopaedic partners and advancing vital research funding efforts.

Krupp's strategic vision and collaborative approach have been key in enhancing OREF's impact in the field. The organization remains committed to addressing the healthcare needs related to musculoskeletal health, advocating for funding that aligns with the actual burden these conditions impose on individuals and the healthcare system as a whole.

The need for increased MSK research funding is underscored by the foundation's mission. OREF strives to improve clinical care and patient outcomes through the advancement of innovative research and fostering a collaborative orthopaedic community. The foundation is keen on obtaining funding to back research initiatives dealing with conditions affecting bones, muscles, and tendons, which can lead to better patient care as well as improved health outcomes.

As OREF welcomes Erika DeLeon to its leadership team, the organization looks forward to leveraging her expertise to foster innovation and partnerships that can ultimately transform the landscape of musculoskeletal health in the United States. For more information on OREF, their initiatives, and research, interested parties can visit oref.org or follow them on social media platforms like X and LinkedIn. This shift in leadership marks an important chapter for OREF and its ongoing mission to make musculoskeletal health a national priority.