Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
OrthoWorx announced Thursday the appointment of Ryan Christner as president and chief executive officer, effective June 9, 2025.
Christner, a longtime community and orthopedic leader in Kosciusko County, steps into the role following his time as executive director of the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI), according to a news release from OrthoWorx.
“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, the release states.
“Stepping into the role of president and 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 which 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,” said 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 outdoorsmen and dedicated community advocate, he actively volunteers, coaches youth sports, and brings a deep personal passion to OrthoWorx’s mission of impact-driven leadership, the release states.
OrthoWorx is an initiative formed in 2009 in the Orthopedic Capital of the World through initial funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. to fill a critical void in the industry, serving as a connector for industry, education and the community, leveraging resources to drive positive change. OrthoWorx was specifically designed to make the region the best place for orthopedic industry talent to grow and thrive. They are a catalyst, deepening connections among the various interrelated moving parts of the unique orthopedic industry ecosystem. This is accomplished through their work and initiatives to equip the next generation, enrich the community and accelerate industry, according to the release.
