Brenda Dorenkamp, RRT, CTBS, serves as the Manager of Referral Intake at Iowa Donor Network, where she has led the creation and evolution of a specialized team responsible for managing incoming organ and tissue referrals. With a decade of experience in the organ procurement field and a background as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, Dorenkamp has played a pivotal role in advancing how OPOs respond to and evaluate donor opportunities in real time.
She was nominated for The Alliance 40 Under 40 by Angie Capps, Director of Inspire the Gift at Iowa Donor Network. “Brenda has developed processes, identified gaps, and implemented improvements to strengthen one of the most critical steps in donation: referral intake,” Capps wrote. “Thanks to her leadership, clinical teams are equipped with the timely, accurate information they need to make informed decisions about donation.”
Dorenkamp leads a clinically skilled team of Referral Intake Coordinators who serve as the first point of contact for vented referrals, conducting real-time assessments and organ chart reviews that directly impact the success of donation efforts. Under her guidance, the team has significantly improved operational efficiency by streamlining workflows, reducing response times, and enhancing coordination between organ and tissue departments.
Her leadership has also helped bridge organizational silos by ensuring seamless collaboration between clinical and operational teams. Through her focus on data integrity, communication, and cross-functional alignment, Dorenkamp has strengthened Iowa Donor Network’s capacity to act swiftly and compassionately in high-stakes donation scenarios.
Brenda Dorenkamp is a strategic and stabilizing force within the donation community. Her innovations in referral triage and her commitment to operational excellence have expanded donation opportunities while ensuring every case begins with the utmost professionalism and care.
