About Us

Our Mission

Our mission is to improve surgical access for more efficient outcomes. Leveraging decades of expertise, our team is able to ensure the accurate development and refine intraoperative reliability. The team consists of highly experienced spine surgeons, engineers, and clinical specialists working together to create the first of its kind retractor.

The Carmela Retractor is here to help improve surgical access, efficiency, and outcomes.

Meet the Team

James B Carr, M.D.

With over 25 years on the central coast, CA, Dr. James B. Carr, a leading spinal surgeon, has innovated in spine care, focusing on enhanced surgical outcomes and patient quality of life. He invented the game-changing Carmela Retractor, named after his first grandchild, to make spine surgeries more accurate and efficient, thus improving patient recovery. Dr. Carr's pioneering work and the Carmela Device are shaping the future of spine surgery.

President

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Harish Kakarala, M.D.

Dr. Harish Kakarala, is a pulmonary intensivist with more than 25 years of clinical experience. In addition to his medical practice, he has been a serial entrepreneur and investor. He has been an investor in two orthopedic surgical device companies from seed stage to successful exit. As the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Carmela, he now brings decades of clinical expertise and industry experience to provide strategic guidance.

MD Chairman of the Board of Directors

Michael Melton

With over 30 years of executive leadership in manufacturing, quality systems, and business development, Michael Melton leads Carmela Spinal Retractor Device Company by overseeing and directing sales, operations, manufacturing, and strategic growth. His expertise in managing high-performing teams and expanding market presence has driven Carmela’s global success. Drawing from his experience as a consultant in industrial and medical manufacturing, Michael directs Carmela’s business and sales strategy, guiding its vision for global growth and lasting impact in spinal care.

Chief Executive Officer

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Kirk Spiegel

Kirk Spiegel is the chief engineer behind the Carmela Spinal Retractor Device, bringing over 40 years of experience in aerospace and biomedical engineering. He previously served as Senior Engineer at PDS/Wright Solutions, working on the J2X Rocket Engine and Space Shuttle Main Engine, designing critical systems like liquid air insulation and heating for fuel ducts.

As Owner of Fabtec Co., Kirk has led design and manufacturing projects across aerospace, medical devices, and precision machining, including artificial heart pump components and custom injection-molded parts.

Renowned for his exceptional engineering and manufacturing skills his abilities in project engineering, analysis, and manufacturing, coupled with his can-do attitude, make it easy for Carmela to be mass produced for global distribution—designed and built right. Kirk’s expertise ensures the Carmela Spinal Retractor Device combines expert design with practical, reliable performance in surgery.

Chief Engineer

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Greg Street

Gregory Street is a senior engineering professional with 45+ years of experience in the Aerospace, Defense, Space, and Automotive industries, including 26 years with Rockwell, Boeing, and Rocketdyne. His background spans Tool Design, Advanced Manufacturing, Combustion Devices, Turbomachinery, and Engine Systems, with contributions to major programs such as Space Shuttle, X-33, J-2X/Ares I, and Orion CEV. Gregory has designed critical tooling and propulsion hardware—including Injectors, Thrust Chambers, Heat Exchangers, Main Combustion Chambers, and Nozzles—and has presented Design Reviews to NASA. His broader career includes roles with Northrop, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Toyota Racing Development, supported by 20,000+ hours of digital engineering expertise in PTC CREO, Windchill, Top-Down Design, and GD&T