I can cite the exact date that I became completely dedicated to increasing organ and tissue donation.  I have a very special and dedicated individual to thank and attribute my success in this field to. I met Lori Markham in 2000 and it was not the best of meetings.  Lori was, at the time, a coordinator at Midwest Transplant Network in Kansas and I was a new trauma medical director at a level II trauma center.  Lori had shown up to do her job by evaluating one of my patients who had met clinical triggers for the OPO to be notified and I unceremoniously not only threw her out of my ICU but called for the entire OPO to be banned from the hospital.  Because I did not know the donation process at the time, I felt her presence to be intrusive and undermining of my authority as the patient’s attending physician and the medical director of that unit.  I subsequently left that hospital and when I returned to the area and another hospital 5 years later, Lori professionally put aside my previous behavior and [thankfully] courageously reached out to me to invite me to attend a learning session of the Organ Donation Breakthrough Collaborative learning session in Chicago in October of 2005.  Lori was instrumental in engaging me and several other area critical care physicians in increasing donor management resulting in a dramatic increase in organs recovered.  Lori’s dedication to improving processes to increase organ donation was infectious!  Lori lead though strength, compassion, commitment and a fierce desire to go after ‘every donor, every organ, every time’.  Over the years of working with Lori locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, I continue to be inspired by her unwavering compassion and commitment.  I can honestly say that I would not be in the position I am in now as President and CEO of Gift of Hope were it not for the mentorship, support, encouragement and inspiration provided by Lori over the years.  She is a true and indispensable leader in this field and I am honored to have her continued friendship and mentorship.

I have long said that I want to be Gigi Spicer when I grow up. Her never-ending curiosity and passion for this field inspire me every single day. I have learned so much from her about transplant quality, but perhaps even more importantly, I have learned how to show up for people—how to communicate with care, lead with integrity, and approach challenges with thoughtfulness and grace.

Gigi’s quiet strength, humility, and infectious positivity leave a lasting impression on everyone around her. In a world that often feels loud and overwhelming, her calm presence and genuine kindness stand out in the most powerful way.

She is the person I turn to when I need guidance, perspective, or simply encouragement. She has a remarkable way of supporting and challenging me at the same time—pushing me to grow, believe in myself, and strive to be better.

I am incredibly grateful for her mentorship, her generosity with her time and knowledge, and the example she sets every day. Quite simply, I want to be more like Gigi when I grow up.

Dan MacDuffie was the Manager of Clinical Operations for TransLife (now OurLegacy) when I began my career in organ donation 13 years ago. Being new to healthcare, I had so much to learn, and Dan was the perfect teacher and mentor. Funny, kind, eccentric, and never shy about sharing his knowledge and opinions, I was utterly fascinated by him. I would ride along with him as he rounded (always terrified by his legendary lead foot as he drove). I could never absorb enough of the things he had to share with me. He was always first in line to support our work in public education, and always my first call when there was a question I couldn’t answer. Dan has since passed on, but his passion and dedication continue in all of the organ donation professionals who were lucky enough to learn from him.

Howard, from the earliest days of my journey, your wisdom and generosity of spirit shaped my understanding of this field. As one of the original founders, you carry the history of The Alliance not as nostalgia, but as living lessons. You have always been open to conversation — offering perspective, encouragement, and thoughtful guidance grounded in deep experience.

Your kindness and steadfast dedication to our mission have influenced far more than one individual; they have shaped a national movement committed to honoring donors and serving patients. You remind us that progress is built on relationships, integrity, and unwavering purpose. Thank you for your lifelong commitment to helping this community save more lives with compassion and resolve.

In the Fall of 2007, AHA’s president & CEO Rich Umbdenstock received a request from Dean Kappel at The Alliance to appoint a representative to serve on The Alliance’s Board….and I was fortunate to be asked to take on this assignment.  My first involvement was an Alliance conference held early in 2008 in Chicago.  I knew no one, and had a lot to learn about organ donation and transplantation.  As I arrived, I was greeted with “You must be George.  We’ve been waiting to meet you.  Come join me and some friends at our table.”  That person was Helen Bottenfield, and her friends were Lori Brigham, Sue Dunn, Susan Stuart, and Susan Gunderson.  I felt instantly welcomed and had some great mentors to bring me up to speed, quickly.   Over the years, Helen was also there to answer questions, and most importantly, to move me out of my “comfort zones” at the National Learning Congresses.  If there was any lesson learned early on, it was that you could not say “no” to Helen….and you were honored that she asked you to take on the assignment.  She was an incredible leader, and to this day is a friend.  She had a lot of “assistants” who also mentored me — many OPO executives, along with David Fleming at DLA, Elling Eidibo at AOPO, and Teresa Beigay and Dr. Mary Ganikos at HRSA.  Serving as AHA’s representative was a professional and personal career highlight, and I’m honored to recognize Helen and so many others on the occasion of The Alliance’s 20th anniversary.

You have served as a mentor to our most vulnerable colleagues and approached your work with a rare blend of expertise, patience, kindness, and humor. You teach not only the how of clinical excellence, but the why behind compassionate, human-centered care. Your ability to see the strengths, talents, and unique potential in every individual has shaped careers, built confidence, and created connections that endure long after orientation ends.  You have been a steady presence in moments of challenge and a joyful champion in moments of success. Through your mentorship, our teams have grown stronger, more resilient, and more cohesive.   Because of your commitment, more lives are saved, more families find hope, and our community grows in compassion and strength.

Gigi was a wonderful mentor for me when I first became a transplant coordinator.  Although I was working in heart transplantation and she was in kidney, she invited me to spend a day with her to see the role of coordinator along with assessments needed with our patients in clinic.   We have continued to coordinate our thoughts and experiences through the years since 1988.  I even learned a lot about that complex kidney. Hearts are so much easier to  understand.   Gigi and I, along with Marian O’Rourke worked together to provide education for our colleagues about quality in transplantation.   Great friends and great stories to share.

Throughout my transplant career, Linda’s leadership in quality and transplant nursing has been invaluable. Her immense knowledge – and more importantly, her willingness to always share it with others – has changed our field and me. She has never hesitated to answer any dumb question I ask, and she is one of the primary reasons a next generation of leaders is able to continue to evolve transplant administration and quality.

When I was managing IT for the department of surgery at Northwestern, I had the opportunity to work with the transplant center, and was completely fascinated by it and wanted to be part of the amazing world of transplant. Coming in with no relevant knowledge or experience, I had the unbelievable good fortune to have Gwen there to share just a sliver of her knowledge and wisdom. There is no way I would have been able to survive as an interloper in transplant without her constant teaching, guidance, moral support, and friendship.

Matt Terry has been a relentless and tireless force for donation and transplantation for the better part of two decades. A dialysis RN by trade, Matt has consistently shown dedication to the mission, but even more, a willingness to share his experience, knowledge, and authority. He selflessly empowers others and helps them be the best version of themselves. Like most great leaders, he has done all this and more quietly and without self acclaim. The OPTN is better for him being part of it and so am I.

Brigitte has long been admired as an expert in the field of transplant administration. She has championed program growth and is a master at understanding and utilizing data.  She takes on the BIG things that seem impossible and she makes them happen.  I’ve learned so much from Brigitte over the years and I value her guidance and counsel.  She is truly one of the greats in our field.

Mallory has been a dedicated member of Donor Alliance for 12 years, serving in multiple roles and currently supporting the Family Services Department as a Learning and Development Specialist. She plays a key role in mentoring new staff by organizing training schedules, delivering didactic education, and guiding new hires throughout orientation. Mallory has also authored several simulation-based trainings that strengthen the professional development of Donor and Family Coordinators, increasing their confidence and competence in their roles. Through her collaborative work with subject matter experts and leadership, she consistently delivers engaging, high-quality learning experiences and goes above and beyond to support staff growth and success.

Mallory has been a dedicated member of Donor Alliance for 12 years, serving in multiple roles and currently supporting the Family Services Department as a Learning and Development Specialist. She plays a key role in mentoring new staff by organizing training schedules, delivering didactic education, and guiding new hires throughout orientation. Mallory has also authored several simulation-based trainings that strengthen the professional development of Donor and Family Coordinators, increasing their confidence and competence in their roles. Through her collaborative work with subject matter experts and leadership, she consistently delivers engaging, high-quality learning experiences and goes above and beyond to support staff growth and success.

Dianne has been a leader in transplantation for many years.  She advocates for all patients, living donors and donor families.  she has spent countless hours working to make our system better.  She has worked tirelessly to increase living donation and has readily shared the resources she created with other programs across the country so that we can all increase access to organs through living donation.  Dianne is a wonderful example of a leader and a mentor.  When others succeed she shares in their joy and she’s there to help when someone is struggling.  Thanks Dianne for being an inspiration to many and thank you for always being willing to share your knowledge with me and others.

I first met Tim when we served on the OPTN Transplant Administrators Committee together.  He was also chair of the committee when I was vice chair and it was a joy to work with him and learn from him.  Tim has always been gracious with his time and advice. He’s got great clinical and administrative expertise and I value his advice and contributions to our field.  Thanks for everything Tim!

Andrea is certainly known as an expert to everyone in our field and I have benefitted many times from her willingness to share her knowledge.  She has given countless hours to OPTN Committees and the Board.  We are all better off for her contributions to our field and I am also grateful for her friendship! Thank you Andrea!

Gwen! She’s awesome.  I met Gwen many years ago when I was a new transplant administrator.  Gwen was one of the people that I kept on speed dial and she was always happy to help.  We are so lucky to have experts like Gwen who are happy to share their expertise and knowledge with everyone.  Thanks Gwen!

Angie is one of the first people I met when I started working as a transplant administrator in Rochester in 2004.  She was always willing to provide advice or act as a sounding board.  She was welcoming and wonderful! I know she’s done that for countless others as well.  Thanks Angie for the many, many times you’ve provided advice or listened over the years.

Cassandra was the first person who helped me along in my transplant career. We met in 1996 or 1997 and I knew very little about transplant.  She has always been someone I turn to when I have a question.  She has a wealth of knowledge and she’s always happy to share what she knows.  She’s got clinical and administrative expertise.

I just wanted to say thank you to Joe Weber. Your steady guidance, and perspective have meant more to me than you probably realize. You have a way of keeping me grounded, focused, and motivated-all while making it look effortless. I am so grateful to learn from you. Truly the best.

I first encountered Lindsay while attending the TMG Conference in 2023. After witnessing her presentation, I immediately knew she was someone I wanted to connect with as a new quality professional. The Alliance later provided me with the opportunity to partner with Lindsay as my mentor, which proved invaluable to my career. Lindsay was nonjudgmental and created a safe space for learning and professional growth.  Thank you Lindsay for being an exceptional mentor.

I have been honored to work with Leslie for several years in multiple different capacities. Her ability to do this work with passion and empathy has had such a positive impact on my career path. She has such a strong commitment to the mission and is someone I can always count on to provide support and guidance. I am so grateful to get to work alongside her every day!

I have known Michael Harnois personally and professionally for more than thirty years. Over that time, he has been a steady presence in my life, a guiding light personally, and a defining influence professionally.

Following the tragic loss of my brother and donor hero, Justin, I found myself at a crossroads. It was Michael, through gentle and thoughtful encouragement, who nudged me to consider channeling that loss into purpose by joining him in organ donation and transplantation. He did not push (hard). He asked the right questions, at the right time, and trusted that I would find my way. That nudge changed the trajectory of my life.

Michael’s mentorship has never been about shortcuts or easy answers. In fact, quite the opposite. He consistently challenges me and everyone blessed to learn from him. He demanded finding the answers through research, to validate assumptions, and to understand issues deeply before acting.  Half-answers were not acceptable. Intellectual discipline mattered. Precision mattered. Integrity mattered.

Over decades in this field, Michael has shaped not only professionals, but industry leaders. His influence on my career extends beyond opportunity, it is embedded in how I think, how I evaluate information, and how I approach complex decisions.

I am grateful for his presence in my life, his quiet wisdom, and his belief in transforming loss into mission-driven work. His mentorship has left a lasting imprint on both my life and my career.

I first met Kevin Myer in 2004, early in my career in organ donation. As my first Executive Director in this field, Kevin was not just a supervisor, he became a model for what leadership should look like in practice.

In those early years, I had the opportunity to work with Kevin both directly and indirectly, observing how he navigated complex cases, organizational challenges, and the growing responsibility that comes with stewarding the gift of donation. What struck me most was not simply his knowledge or decisiveness, but his integrity.

Kevin taught those who had the honor to work alongside him that leadership is not about avoiding mistakes, it is about owning them. He modeled the courage to identify errors openly, correct them quickly, and use them as a foundation for shared learning. He taught me that transparency strengthens an organization, that humility builds credibility, and that growth requires honest self-reflection and personal growth opportunities. Those lessons have remained some of the most formative influences on my leadership philosophy.

Over the past two decades, Kevin has continued to guide and bolster my career, shaping my leadership style, strengthening my confidence, and helping refine my professional direction. His steady counsel and example have influenced not just how I lead, but why I lead the way I do.

Kevin’s influence on my career is lasting and irreplaceable. I am deeply grateful for his mentorship and for the examples he set, ones that continues to guide my work and commitment to advancing the mission of organ donation.

Hedi Aguiar was my first leader at The Alliance, and her belief in me changed the trajectory of my career. She immersed me into the national-level complexities of donation and transplantation with generosity and trust, helping me uncover strengths and talents I didn’t know I had. Hedi is a remarkable teacher, a constant learner, and a fearless innovator whose guidance continues to shape how I lead and serve.

She has always been a voice of reason and a steady sounding board, modeling compassion and an unwavering commitment to honoring donor heroes and their families. Her dedication to this mission is an inspiration to all of us. Thank you, Hedi, for your mentorship, your wisdom, and your enduring impact on my life and this profession.

I’m honoring Gwen McNatt, who shaped my career from the very beginning. Early on, when I was still trying to figure out my place in healthcare, she took a chance on me and hired me into the transplant department at Northwestern Memorial to run her clinic. She pushed me hard—always with the belief that anything less than excellence meant compromising patient care.
As she entrusted me with more responsibility, she also instilled in me the discipline, urgency, and passion that define great transplant leaders. Even after I left Northwestern to grow into a transplant administrator on my own, Gwen remained a steady mentor. I leaned on her guidance through challenges, decisions, and countless moments where her perspective made all the difference.
Nearly 20 years later, the passion I have for transplant—and much of the knowledge I carry with me—can be traced back to Gwen’s influence. I’m grateful she never let me settle for mediocrity and helped shape the professional I became.

Thank you for providing such steady leadership and mentorship over the many years we’ve worked together. I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue learning from you at Gift of Life; it has been instrumental in helping me further craft and refine my own leadership style.

Beyond the technical nature of running a large OPO, I’ve gained invaluable insight into what it truly means to lead with integrity. I am constantly in awe of your bravery and your ability to remain decisive in high-pressure moments. You’ve set a standard of excellence that I strive to meet every day. I feel incredibly fortunate to have you in my corner, and I look forward to all the milestones we will continue to strive for and achieve in the donation space.

Dr. Bert Kasiske invited me to use my skills as an epidemiologist to better the field of kidney transplantation. Without his mentorship, friendship, and example of what it means to be a humble and compassionate leader, I would not have had the many opportunities to make organ donation and transplantation better for the patients we serve. Thank you for all you taught me and for your many contributions to the field of transplantation!

Paul, you welcomed me into the transplant community with generosity and intention at a pivotal moment in my career. As Board Chair the year I was hired, you did more than provide oversight — you opened doors. You introduced me to leaders across the country, shared a bold ten-year vision for the future of transplantation, and encouraged me to think expansively about innovation, including the promise of xenotransplantation. Your confidence and strategic clarity provided both direction and belonging.

Your leadership has always reflected a deep commitment to advancing the national community in thoughtful, future-oriented ways. By investing time in people and ideas, you have strengthened the foundation on which we collectively work to save more lives. Thank you for modeling visionary governance and for ensuring the next generation of leaders is positioned to build what comes next.

Brad Adams has profoundly shaped my career by consistently modeling our organization’s core values—passion, selflessness, trustworthiness, collaboration, and creativity—through his visionary leadership during one of the most challenging periods in the donation community. His passion for our mission inspired me to approach my work with deeper purpose and conviction, and his unwavering belief in the life‑saving impact of donation has continually reinforced my own commitment to this field.

Brad’s selflessness has been a personal guidepost for me, demonstrated through every decision he made to support our team and donor families during times of immense uncertainty. His ability to lead with both strength and empathy taught me what it means to prioritize people first.

Through his trustworthy and transparent leadership—especially as he guided the organization through a major relocation and the development of the Legacy Center amid the COVID‑19 pandemic and heightened regulatory scrutiny—I learned the value of honesty, clarity, and steadiness in moments of organizational change.

Brad also fostered a deeply collaborative environment, which directly influenced how I build partnerships across departments and external organizations. His example showed me how collaboration strengthens outcomes and ensures continuity of care across our DSA.

Finally, his creativity and willingness to embrace innovative solutions have shaped the way I approach challenges and opportunities in my own work. Brad’s foresight demonstrated that thriving in a rapidly evolving landscape requires both courage and imagination.

The progress, resilience, and culture of excellence we experience today reflect Brad’s embodiment of our core values—and they have deeply impacted my own professional growth. His integrity, compassion, and visionary leadership continue to influence the leader I strive to be.

I wouldn’t be here without your consistent and readily available counsel and wisdom.  I am most grateful for always making me feel that despite all your amazing contributions to the field of transplantation both nationally and internationally, that I (and all your fellows) and my career am what makes you most proud.

As The Alliance’s Executive Director, Karri truly lives and breathes the organization’s mission. She has gone above and beyond to support young advocates through SODA: Student Organ Donation Advocates by championing our student leaders and uplifting our full-time team.

Thank you, Karri, and the entire Alliance team, for your partnership and belief in this work! Wishing you continued success as you bring together experts and emerging leaders across the donation and transplantation community.