Clayton Taylor Takes the Helm as New Chairman to Drive Second Heart Assist's Vision

Clayton Taylor Takes Charge as New Chairman of Second Heart Assist Inc.

On December 3, 2024, Second Heart Assist Inc., based in Utah, announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Clayton Taylor as the new Chairman of its Board of Directors. Taylor brings a wealth of experience, boasting a successful 27-year career as a founder, CEO, and board member in various industries, most notably in data centers and utilities. His extensive background includes steering companies through major transitions, including private equity partnerships that resulted in substantial financial growth.

Taylor’s appointment comes at a crucial time as Second Heart Assist gears up for a new phase in its development. His collaboration with Mark Libratore, who also serves as a founder, CEO, and Chair, is anticipated to yield innovative strategies for future investments. Together, they have laid out a targeted investment plan that emphasizes crucial areas such as board composition, leadership standards, and Management by Objectives (MBO), which will align with budgetary and employee incentive goals. This comprehensive strategy aims to navigate Second Heart Assist through vital stages of Early Feasibility Studies (EFS) and FDA approvals, ultimately driving the company's path toward commercialization.

Clayton Taylor outlines this strategy as the “SOuL'S” of the company, focusing on four key pillars: Strategy, Objectives, Leadership, and Success. This approach aims to ensure that Second Heart Assist not only meets its immediate goals but also positions itself for long-term success in the competitive healthcare sector.

Moreover, the company expresses its gratitude towards Howard Leonhardt, the lead inventor of the Second Heart device. Leonhardt, who played a vital role in the company’s initial development and the launchpad accelerator program through Leonhardt Ventures, will continue to serve as a board member. His vision for advancing medical therapeutic technologies has been pivotal, and he plans to focus on other innovative healthcare solutions moving forward.

Investors and shareholders are also acknowledged for their unwavering support throughout the company’s journey. The newly structured board, backed by experienced leadership, is committed to enhancing shareholder value while bringing Second Heart Assist's pioneering technology closer to commercialization.

About Second Heart Assist Inc.

Second Heart Assist Inc. specializes in developing a temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) system, designed to assist patients afflicted with severe heart failure. The core technology involves a stent cage equipped with a motorized impeller to facilitate blood circulation throughout the body. This innovative system targets patients whose conditions have reached acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), often characterized by diuretic resistance and persistent congestion—encapsulated in what is known as cardio-renal syndrome (CRS) or cardiogenic shock (CS). The device is also intended for use in high-risk situations, such as percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

Currently, regulatory approvals for the Second Heart Assist Whisper™ device are pending, and it is not available for purchase in any market.

For further information regarding this transition and the innovative projects at Second Heart Assist, you can contact Clayton Taylor, the new Chairman of the Board of Directors, via email.