Firefly Neuroscience, an AI-Driven Brain Health Company, Appoints Healthcare-Industry Executive, David Johnson as Executive Chairman, Upon Closing of Its Merger Transaction with WaveDancer

FAIRFAX, Va. And TORONTO, May 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firefly Neuroscience, Inc. (“Firefly”), a pioneering artificial intelligence (“AI”) company developing innovative neuroscientific solutions to improve outcomes for patients with mental illnesses and neurological disorders, today announced the appointment of David Johnson as its Executive Chairman upon closing of its planned merger with WaveDancer, Inc. (“WaveDancer”) (NASDAQ: WAVD). Firefly has entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”) with WaveDancer, which has been approved by the stockholders of both companies and both companies are working towards meeting the final closing conditions.

Jon Olsen, Chief Executive Officer of Firefly, stated, “As we work towards the closing of our transaction with WaveDancer, we are actively pursuing adding talented industry professionals to our team. David brings to Firefly decades of healthcare and public company experience that will be invaluable to Firefly as we approach the next phase of our growth. On behalf of the entire team and our board, we welcome David to the team and look forward to working closing as we pioneer new approaches to mental health solutions.”

David Johnson previously served as Executive Chairman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Enveric Biosciences. Mr. Johnson formerly served on the board of directors and as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Alliqua BioMedical, Inc. from November 2012 until April 2019. Mr. Johnson was formerly President of the ConvaTec Division of Bristol-Myers Squibb, Inc. until 2008 when he orchestrated a sale of the division from its pharmaceutical parent to Avista Capital Partners and Nordic Capital in a deal valued at $4.1 billion. Concurrently, he acquired and integrated the assets of Copenhagen-based Unomedical to expand ConvaTec Inc.’s manufacturing and infrastructure into Europe. From 2008 through 2012, Mr. Johnson served as the Chief Executive Officer of ConvaTec Inc. Prior to his tenure with ConvaTec Inc., Mr. Johnson held several senior positions in the U.S., Europe and Canada with Zimmer Inc., Fisher Scientific, and Baxter Corporation. He served as a member of ConvaTec Inc.’s board of directors and the board of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), where he chaired the Global Wound Sector Team for four years. Mr. Johnson received an Undergraduate Business Degree in Marketing from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, completed the INSEAD Advanced Management Program in Fontainebleau, France, and is a fellow of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Firefly believes that Mr. Johnson’s extensive experience in the Life Sciences Industry, as well as his executive leadership experience, make him an asset who can serve as a bridge between Firefly’s board of directors and its executive officers.