Pacific Research Laboratories, Inc. (Sawbones) Names Norine Martinsen CEO

After more than 40 years, Foss Miller stepped down as CEO of Pacific Research Laboratories Inc. (PRL), dba Sawbones, and Norine Martinsen has been named as his successor. Appointed by the board of directors, Martinsen assumed her new role on January 7, 2020. Miller will maintain his role as chairman of the board.

Norine Martinsen, CEO

When asked about what she looks forward to in her new role, Martinsen stated, “Possibilities! There is so much rich talent here, and leveraging that talent to create and build product that makes a difference is exciting to me. I have enjoyed getting to know each aspect of the business and the people more deeply. I am fascinated with our engineering and manufacturing capabilities. We do great work and I know there is more that we can do in the future.”

Before joining PRL, Martinsen was a partner at a contract accounting/CFO firm that worked with a variety of businesses and start-ups. She then served as controller at an electronics manufacturing company and came to PRL as a contract accountant in 2003, taking a permanent position in 2005. Prior to her role as CEO, she served as PRL’s COO, CFO, and controller, growing her knowledge of the company and all its processes for several years.

Martinsen grew up in California, and after years of traveling and working in Alaska, she made the Pacific Northwest her permanent home where she earned her BS in Finance and an Executive Leadership MBA from Seattle University. She loves to be outdoors; she’s an avid skier, and has taught ski school. She has also rowed competitively with The Vashon Rowing Club for several years. In addition to her many other achievements, she was the board chair of The Harbor School on Vashon Island, as well as their interim head of school while they searched for a permanent hire.

When it came time to name his successor, Miller said the choice was clear. “I’ve worked with Norine and served on several boards with her over the years, as a chair as well as a member. One thing has always been true: she is a great leader in business and otherwise. She is an inspiration, and I know she will inspire our employees to do great things.”