Learn about our members

Professional Associates (PA) is a community of nearly 50 educators, scientists, innovators, business leaders, policymakers, and professionals who bring their real-world experience to support Fort Lewis College. Members share a commitment to strengthening student learning, enriching faculty teaching, and advancing community partnerships across the Four Corners.

Expertise across disciplines

PA members represent seven core areas of expertise:

  • Medicine, public health, and life sciences
  • Engineering, physical sciences, and technology
  • Environmental science and ecology
  • Education, sociology, and community development
  • Arts, communication, and humanities
  • Leadership, strategy, and organizational management
  • Law, policy, and government service

This breadth of knowledge allows PA members to serve as guest lecturers, mentors, advisors, and collaborators—bringing valuable insight to classrooms, academic programs, and community initiatives.

History and purpose

Professional Associates was established in 1999 by President Kendall Blanchard as a strategic advisory group. Since then, its role has expanded to include direct support for students, faculty, and community programming—while maintaining a strong advisory partnership with college leadership.

Meet our members

Each member brings a unique background and perspective to Fort Lewis College. Browse the directory below to explore individual bios, professional experience, and areas of expertise.

Sean M. Cleary

sean.cleary24@gmail.com

Profession:  Business Executive

Education

  • 1980, BSE, Industrial & Operations Engineering, University of Michigan
  • 1987, MBA, University of Michigan

Career Profile

With over 30 years of international healthcare experience, Sean Cleary is a recognized leader in the medical device industry, particularly in the field of cardiology. His expertise includes identifying new medical technologies, developing emerging therapeutic markets, and building high-performing management teams.

Sean has held key leadership positions at both start-ups and multinational biotech corporations. His roles have included strategic development, product commercialization, and executive leadership in sales, marketing, business development, and human resources.

  • Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. – Former Vice President of Global Market Development, overseeing the adoption of Inspire, an innovative implantable device treating obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Abbott Vascular Structural Heart – Served as Divisional Vice President of Sales & Marketing, leading the clinical and commercial launch of MitraClip®, a breakthrough interventional cardiology device.
  • Guidant Corporation – Held senior leadership roles, driving global product launches and market expansion of cardiovascular medical technologies.

Sean has extensive experience in mergers, acquisitions, and fundraising, including

  • Guidant Corporation’s spin-off from Eli Lilly & Co.
  • Guidant’s acquisitions of InControl, Inc. and Intermedics
  • Boston Scientific’s acquisition of Guidant
  • Abbott Vascular’s acquisition of Evalve, Inc.

Board Memberships & Advisory Roles

  • 2017–Present: Advisory Board Member, KnectIQ, Inc. (cybersecurity start-up)
  • 2011–2016: Industry Advisory Board Member, Indiana University-Purdue University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering

Community & Volunteer Work

  • Escalante Middle School – Chose Your Future Program
  • Fort Lewis College – Professional Associates Member
  • University of Michigan Ross Business School – Case Competition Judge

Personal Interests

Passionate about family, hiking, kayaking, fishing, golfing, snowshoeing, and skiing