Nancy Hairston

Nancy Hairston has a unique background in entrepreneurship, art and 3D technology. For 30 years she has been at the leading edge of 3D design software, 3D printing and on demand manufacturing.

After training as sculptor at Loyola University in New Orleans, Ms. Hairston became involved in 3D modeling and animation software during the rise of computer graphics in the 90’s. Working for Silicon Graphics, a major innovator in the burgeoning industry at the time, Ms. Hairston worked with the pioneers and biggest names in video game development and film special effects.

In 2000, Ms. Hairston joined software start-up SensAble Technologies, where she was instrumental in implementing “rapid” digital product development between the US and Asia for major American manufacturers such as Mattel, New Balance and Fisher Price.

With years of successful art and 3D technology experience under her belt, Ms. Hairston started her own product development firm designing consumer products, VanDuzen Inc., in 2002. By 2009, through collaboration with surgeons at the UT Southwestern Medical Center, Ms. Hairston began developing new digital processes for planning facial reconstruction surgeries. Through the success of this early development, Ms. Hairston re-branded the company as MedCAD and focused on using the same 3D technologies employed previously for toys and shoes, to innovate surgical planning and manufacture custom medical devices.

Today, MedCAD is a patient-specific medical device manufacturer specializing in addressing trauma, birth defects and pathologies in oral, maxillo-facial and neurosurgery patients. MedCAD’s products greatly impact a surgeon’s efficiency and success, while reducing risk and providing the best possible outcomes for the patient.

Ms. Hairston and her partner Tish, split their time between Dallas, Texas and Aspen, Colorado. Skiing, hiking, biking, traveling and their dogs enrich their lives!