Anne Dancy Maher

Anne Dancy Maher graduated from Michigan Tech in 2012 with a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering. She went on to earn a master’s in mechanical engineering from Oakland University and an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. 

Encouraged by the variety of engineering and STEM offerings, Maher attended Michigan Tech because she wanted to experiment with different subjects and industries while developing skills for a meaningful career path.

“Michigan Tech helped prepare me for my career by allowing me to take risks to learn,” Maher said. “Whether it was a new subject or leadership position in an extracurricular group like SWE… these experiences allowed me to practice new skills, find what I love, make friendships, and have fun. And, they helped me to establish a focus in my life that’s allowed me to choose a career that reflects my values.”

In Maher’s current role as a senior program manager in R&D at Medtronic, she is responsible for budget, execution, and delivery of the next-generation cardiac products in the company’s portfolio.

Maher’s career at Medtronic began in 2016 as the lead human factors engineer for the design and development of Medtronic’s LINQ device—the market-leading implantable cardiac monitor. She became a senior human factors engineer in 2017, and an engineering manager of human factors and user experience in 2018. Maher grew, hired, and developed two successful engineering teams in human factors and user experience and product management to support medical device R&D organizations.

“I loved the human factors course I took at Tech to learn how to design around the human body and mind,” Maher said. “It was very influential in several early engineering roles in my career.”

Prior to her roles at Medtronic, Maher worked for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles where she completed the highly-selective Chrysler Institute of Engineering rotational leadership development program, which included rotational assignments in manufacturing, program management, quality, portfolio planning, and design engineering. Following the program, she was the human machine interface and ergonomics engineer for the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator until 2016.

In addition to her professional roles, Maher has been recognized as the 2019 Distinguished New Engineer from the Society of Women Engineers, which honors a SWE member with less than ten years as a professional who has demonstrated professional excellence in engineering, engineering management, engineering education, engineering technology, and leadership in SWE. 

Maher joined SWE during her first year at Michigan Tech and played an active role in the organization throughout her four years as a student. Her involvement led her to many networking opportunities, one of which guided her to her role with Fiat Chrysler. Her involvement with SWE continued after graduation and she remains active in the organization. Currently, she is the advisor to the Medtronic Global SWEnet leadership team and corporate deployment chair for WISE (Women in Science and Engineering). Maher is active in volunteering as a mentor and panelist at the University of Minnesota to support their WISE and STEM programming.

Maher lives with her husband (William), two daughters (Carley and Madeline), and dog (Dallas) in Minnesota. In her spare time, she loves being outdoors, running, and gardening. She enjoys entering her vegetables in the Minnesota State Fair every year - and documents every step on a blog. 

“I am grateful for the confidence, exposure to diverse ideas, and platform Michigan Tech has given me to craft my life into something that excites me every morning,” said Maher. “I want others to feel this joy and zest for life—both professionally and personally, and I think Michigan Tech is the perfect place to ignite that.”

In recognition of her distinguished career and achievements at a young age, Michigan Tech selected Maher as its Outstanding Young Alumni Award winner in 2024.

Updated May 2024