Edward Michael, an executive vice president at Abbott Laboratories, will speak at a private luncheon of Carthage's Business and Professional Coalition July 18.

Mr. Michael is the executive vice president, diagnostics, at Abbott, in charge of the company's diagnostics, molecular and point-of-care businesses. He has held this position since July 2007. Previously, he served as senior vice president, medical products, leading Abbott's molecular, spine and animal health business units.

Mr. Michael joined Abbott in 1985 as an attorney in the legal division. Since 1990, he has held various management positions in Abbott's global diagnostics operations, including vice president for Europe, Africa and Middle East, and vice president, diagnostic commercial operations. He also served as vice president, Immunoassay/Clinical Chemistry, Abbott Diagnostics Division, and as vice president, Abbott Molecular, leading Abbott's global molecular diagnostic business.

He earned a bachelor's degree in politics and government and a juris doctorate from Indiana University in Bloomington.

Members of the Carthage Business and Professional Coalition meet regularly for luncheons that feature guest speakers and discussion. For more information about the Carthage Business and Professional Coalition, please contact Paul Hegland at (262) 551-5858.