CIVCO Medical Instruments announced the appointment of Thomas G. Rice as vice chairman of the board of directors. The announcement was made by CIVCO Chairman and CEO Victor Wedel. Rice is joined on the board by Robert Rehfuss of Clifton Gunderson, PLC, Iowa City, Henry Madden of the College of Business Administration, The University of Iowa; Charles Klasson, Jr., chief operating officer of CIVCO, and David Schultz, chief financial officer for CIVCO.

CIVCO Medical Instruments is a global manufacturer and supplier of high technology diagnostic medical ultrasound and imaging accessories and products. In February 1999, CIVCO opened its first European office in Belgium, Brussels.

Rice, 57, brings more than 36 years of experience in medical technology and innovation. He retired as the president and CEO of Silicon Valley medical companies MedaSonics and Neuroguard and now resides in Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii and Scottsdale, Arizona. Rice’s Iowa roots go back to the early 1900s in Washington, where his father Harry “Hod” Rice was a prominent athlete and Washington High School and the University of Iowa, returning later to teach and coach at Washington High School.

“It’s great to return to Iowa and enjoy this unique and productive environment. I’m honored to be able to make a contribution to this great company and to work with the 100 fine CIVCO associates,” said Rice. “CIVCO’s shareholder and owner Vic Wedel has made a substantial investment in the company’s future growth and has positioned the company to begin the next stage of rapid growth, market expansion and increased profitability. I’m here to help make that happen.”

CIVCO Medical Instruments Co., Inc. was established by Victor Wedel in 1981. Working with leading ultrasound manufacturers such as Acuson, GE Medical Systems, Hewlett-Packard and others, CIVCO continues to develop innovative products for emerging technologies and imaging procedures.