Dr. Richard H. Carmona, 17th United States Surgeon General, Joins TASER International Board of Directors
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 13, 2007 -- TASER International, Inc. (NASDAQ: TASR), a market leader in advanced electronic control devices, today announced that the 17th Surgeon General of the United States, Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, has joined the Board of Directors of TASER International, Inc. effective March 8, 2007. Dr. Carmona served the four-year term as U.S. Surgeon General from 2002 to 2006. He brings nearly 40 years of military, law enforcement, and medical experience to his role as a member of the TASER Board of Directors. Dr. Carmona currently serves as vice chairman of Canyon Ranch, CEO of Canyon Ranch Health, and president of the nonprofit Canyon Ranch Institute in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Carmona is also the Distinguished Professor of Public Health at The University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.
With the addition of Dr. Carmona, TASER International has nine members of its Board of Directors, including seven outside Directors.
"Dr. Carmona's extensive experience in the medical, military and law enforcement fields will provide added strategic focus to our goal of advancing TASER technology today and in the future. With these unique disciplines and background, Dr. Carmona is a tremendous addition to our board. We are looking forward to sharing his expertise as we develop and advance the benefits of TASER® technology throughout the world," said TASER International Chairman of the Board Tom Smith.
A photo accompanying this release is available at www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3448
Biography
Born and raised in New York City, Dr. Carmona dropped out of high school and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967. While enlisted, he received his Army General Equivalency Diploma, joined the Army's Special Forces, ultimately becoming a combat-decorated Vietnam veteran, and began his career in medicine.
After leaving active duty, Dr. Carmona attended Bronx Community College of the City University of New York, where he earned his associate of arts degree. He later attended and graduated from the University of California, San Francisco, with a bachelor of science degree (1977) and medical degree (1979). At the University of California Medical School, Dr. Carmona was awarded the prestigious gold-headed cane as the top graduate. He has also earned a masters of public health from the University of Arizona (1998).
Dr. Carmona has worked in various positions in the medical field, including paramedic, registered nurse, and physician. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is also certified in correctional health care and in quality assurance.
In 2002 Dr. Carmona was nominated by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate to become the 17th Surgeon General of the United States. As Surgeon General, Dr. Carmona focused on prevention, preparedness, health disparities, health literacy and global health to include health diplomacy. He also issued many landmark Surgeon General communications during his tenure, including the definitive Surgeon General's Report about the dangers of second-hand smoke (2006).
Prior to being named Surgeon General, Dr. Carmona was the chairman of the State of Arizona Southern Regional Emergency Medical System; and a professor of surgery, public health, and family and community medicine at the University of Arizona.
Dr. Carmona has served for over 20 years with the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Tucson, including as deputy sheriff, surgeon, and SWAT team leader. He is one of the most highly decorated police officers in Arizona, and his numerous awards include the National Top Cop Award, the National SWAT Officer of the Year, and the National Tactical EMS Award. Dr. Carmona is a nationally recognized SWAT expert and has published extensively on SWAT training and tactics, forensics, and tactical emergency medical support. Dr. Carmona has also served as a medical director of police and fire departments and is a fully qualified peace officer with expertise in special operations and emergency preparedness, including weapons of mass destruction.
After completing his four-year term as Surgeon General in 2006, Dr. Carmona was named to the position of vice chairman for Canyon Ranch, the country's leading health and wellness company for over 25 years. He also serves as chief executive officer of the company's Health Division and oversees health strategy and policy for all Canyon Ranch businesses. He is president of the nonprofit Canyon Ranch Institute and the recipient of the first Distinguished Professorship in Public Health at the University of Arizona's Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. Dr. Carmona has received numerous awards, decorations, and local and national recognition for his achievements. A strong supporter of community service, he serves on community and national boards and provides leadership to many diverse organizations.
About TASER International, Inc.
TASER International provides advanced electronic control devices for use in the law enforcement, military, private security and personal defense markets. TASER devices use proprietary technology to incapacitate dangerous, combative or high-risk subjects who pose a risk to law enforcement officers, innocent citizens or themselves in a manner that is generally recognized as a safer alternative to other uses of force. TASER technology saves lives every day, and the use of TASER devices dramatically reduces injury rates for police officers and suspects. For more information on TASER life-saving technology, please call TASER International at (800) 978-2737 or visit our website at www.TASER.com.
