MedTech Color Appoints Teniel Jones as Interim Executive Director

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — April 13, 2026 — MedTech Color, the premier nonprofit dedicated to advancing Black and Hispanic representation in the medical device industry, announces the appointment of Teniel Jones as interim executive director.

Jones assumes the role during a period of significant growth for the organization, which now serves a community of over 4,000 professionals and founders. She will oversee strategic initiatives, partnership development and organizational operations to ensure a seamless transition and continued impact.

“Teniel Jones possesses the leadership profile required to lead MedTech Color through this next chapter,” said Kwame Ulmer, founder and board member. “Teniel’s background—combining deep engineering roots with executive leadership in the nonprofit and corporate sectors—makes her the ideal leader to maintain our momentum.”

Jones brings over 20 years of experience to the role and continues to serve as president of Base 11, a nonprofit focused on accelerating high-potential, low-resource students and early-career adults into Next Frontier industries through STEM workforce and entrepreneurship pathways. She also held various leadership positions during a 15-year tenure at Boeing. Her career has centered on creating pathways for underrepresented talent in STEM and entrepreneurship.

“I am honored to serve MedTech Color during this important chapter in its growth,” Jones said. “The organization has built a powerful community advancing representation and leadership across the MedTech ecosystem. I look forward to working closely with the board, partners and members to support continued momentum while strengthening the pathways that help professionals of color thrive and contribute to innovation that improves health outcomes in diverse communities.”

Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a Master of Science in engineering management from the University of Southern California.

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Meet 2025’s Keynote Speaker | Jennifer Jones-McMeans, Ph.D.

Divisional Vice President of Global Clinical Affairs, Abbott and Co-Founder of Abbott’s Diversity in Research Office

As the Divisional Vice President of Global Clinical Affairs at Abbott's vascular business, Dr. Jennifer Jones-McMeans brings nearly two decades of experience leading clinical trials that drive innovation and leverage technology to bring new medical devices to market globally. Since joining Abbott as a clinical research scientist more than 18 years ago, Dr. Jones-McMeans has worked on gaining approval of numerous medical devices worldwide. Her work spans from first-in-human studies to global regulatory approvals for breakthrough devices, including resorbable therapies for peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Dr. Jones-McMeans is a passionate force for equity in clinical research. In 2021, she co-founded Abbott's Diversity in Research Office, a strategic initiative designed to help create a more inclusive clinical trial ecosystem and clinical research infrastructure. She’s helped build the infrastructure needed to make trials more accessible including tools, partnerships, and policies that meet communities where they are.

Dr. Jones-McMeans will deliver the keynote at MedTech Color’s 8th Annual Networking Breakfast, sharing best practices for designing and executing clinical trials that expand access across the clinical trial ecosystem. Her presentation will draw on insights from a diverse group of experts in the field, including academic researchers, physicians, advocacy groups and clinical trialists, alongside perspectives from clinical trial leaders at Abbott, a leading industry sponsor with decades of experience leading U.S. clinical trials. 

Presenting Sponsor: 

Networking Breakfast

Our Commitment to Inclusive Medical Device Development

MedTech Color remains committed to advancing inclusive healthcare. Despite the FDA's withdrawal from our collaborative community, we will continue to drive efforts for diverse representation in medical device development and clinical trials. This is crucial for patient safety and effectiveness. Learn more about our mission and how you can support our work.

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