About Us
Mission, Vision, and Values Statements
Mission
At Comfort First, Inc., our mission is to eliminate discomfort during routine gynecological exams.
We achieve this by providing a patented, biologically universal speculum design that enhances patient comfort and simplifies the exam process for practitioners.
Vision
Our vision is to become the trusted leader in vaginal speculum solutions for routine gynecological care.
We aim to drive widespread adoption of our products, building a brand synonymous with innovation, comfort, and clinical excellence.
Values
Trust - We lead with honesty, fairness, and transparency. Mutual respect is the foundation of every relationship.
Integrity - We are unwavering in our commitment to do what is right for patients, providers, and partners.
Leadership - Our leadership team members are our greatest strength. We foster collaboration, growth, and continuous improvement to achieve shared success.
Teamwork - We are united by a common goal: to improve the gynecological exam experience for all.
Passion - We are driven by a shared commitment to advance women's healthcare and make a lasting positive impact.
Dr. Elizabeth J. Wider, EDD, MSN, LNC, NP-C, RN
CEO/Founder/Director of the Board/President/Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
Dr. Elizabeth J. Wider, founder of Comfort First, Inc., is the inventor of a patent, modern speculum design, created to replace the outdated and uncomfortable two-bladed device. After witnessing a distressing pelvic exam where vaginal wall encroachment prevented visualization of the cervix, Dr. Wider began researching the speculum's history. She was struck to learn it was designed by a male originally tested on Black enslaved women and has remained largely unchanged since the 1800s.
Motivated by both personal experience and clinical need, Dr. Wider developed the ComfortSpec™, a groundbreaking speculum that eliminates pinch points, prevents wall encroachment, fits all body types, improves visibility, and prioritizes patient comfort—finally giving women a respectful, modern alternative.
Mr. Kristian Olsen,
Chief Quality Officer (CQO)/Executive Board Member
Mr. Kristian Olsen, Chief Quality Officer (CQO)/Executive Board Member, has extensive experience in project management, product design, engineering, test method development and test apparatus creation and design. He also has experience with process development including document control & QMS and managing medical device projects from idea through regulatory submission to market launch.
Mrs. Susan Canoy
Executive Communications Director/Secretary of the Board/Board Member
Mrs. Susan Canoy, Executive Board Member, serves as the Executive Communications Director at Comfort First, Inc. Mrs. Canoy oversees the development, key messaging and brand integrity, and media engagement. She develops strategies to spread Comfort First's message of putting women's comfort first!
Mrs. Canoy has over 20 years of operations management experience. She is primarily responsible for strengthening the company's brand, developing communication strategies, producing content for social media and organizing events. She is passionate about women's health care. This passion developed during her time working for the New Mexico Department of Health/Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
Mr. Jaren Forsyth
Senior Quality Manager/Executive Board Member.
Mr. Jaren Forsyth, Senior Quality Manager and Executive Board Member, holds a BS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Utah, where he contributed to biomechanics and orthopedics research. Since graduating, he has built extensive experience in the medical device industry, supporting the full product lifecycle from concept through manufacturing with both startups and major companies. His work spans innovations in urology, otology, gastroenterology, cardiology, and oncology, with expertise in strengthening quality systems and driving efficiency.
Mr. Bryce Smith
Comfort First, Inc. Engineering Consultant/Board Member
Mr. Bryce Smith, Comfort First, Inc. Consultant, is the esteemed CEO and Principal Engineer at Beacon Medical Products, brings a unique blend of aerospace innovation and medical device expertise to our team. Mr. Bryce began his career in the dynamic world of aerospace, where he honed his skills in engineering and design. With a bold leap into the medical device sector, he has since accumulated over ten years of experience in this field. His expertise encompasses designing, testing, and manufacturing cutting-edge medical devices, driving our mission to advance healthcare technology.
Mr. Nate Henriod
Board Member
Mr. Nate Henriod has over 20 years of experience including Biotechnology, R&D management, and Project management in the medical device industry. He is currently the Director of Quality Assurance at Beacon Medical Products. Mr. Henriod is skilled in leading cross-functional teams, driving innovation from concept to commercialization, and ensuring regulatory compliance throughout the product lifecycle.
Mr. Mark Harburg
Executive Board Member
Mr. Mark Harburg, Executive Board Member, has 11 years of experience in Product Design and Manufacturing. He is a passionate sales engineer with a decade of experience in product development and sales. He leverages his technical knowledge to engage customers and drive business growth. Mr. Harburg has a proven track record of success in various roles, including co-founding a medical device company, and leading product development for previous employers and in consulting. He is a skilled communicator and relationship manager, adept at translating complex concepts into clear and concise information.
