Mar 27, 2001
Guidant Announces Nomination of Former HCFA Administrator to Its Board of Directors

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a world leader in the medical technology industry, today announced that its Board of Directors has nominated Nancy-Ann DeParle to become a member of the board, subject to her election in May by Guidant's shareholders.

From 1997 to 2000, DeParle served as administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), where she was a key health policy advisor to President Clinton, and directed the Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children's Health Insurance (S-CHIP) programs. She resigned in October 2000 to become a fellow of the Institute of Politics and the Interfaculty Health Policy Forum at Harvard University. DeParle currently serves as a consultant on health policy and regulatory issues. Before joining HCFA, DeParle was associate director for health and personnel at the White House Office of Management and Budget, where she oversaw budget and policy matters relating to all federal health programs. In 1994, Time magazine selected DeParle as one of "America's 50 Most Promising Leaders Age 40 and Under."

"Nancy-Ann DeParle brings to the Board a comprehensive frontline understanding of, and appreciation for, health care policy," stated Ronald W. Dollens, Guidant president and chief executive officer. "Her experiences in the public sector, including her recent tenure as administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration, will provide a unique perspective as Guidant strives to ensure timely patient access to medical innovation, within the context of global regulatory and reimbursement challenges. Ms. DeParle's proven track record of accomplishments in the public policy arena will enhance Guidant's understanding of the environment in which we operate to the benefit of our shareholders and the patients who benefit around the world from Guidant's life saving and life enhancing medical innovations."

DeParle received a B.A. degree from the University of Tennessee, an M.A. from Oxford University, which she attended as a Rhodes Scholar, and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

A global leader in the medical technology industry, Guidant Corporation provides innovative, minimally invasive and cost-effective products and services for the treatment of cardiovascular and vascular disease.