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Karlie Barone

CPTC
In 2025, I am answering the call to... encourage resilience, inspire others, and continue to shape the future.
Job Title: Manager, Transplant Coordinator Services
Organization: Gift of Life Donor Program
Age: 35
Years in Donation and Transplantation: 10
What makes your career in organ donation and transplantation special? My career in organ donation and transplantation is special because of the lives that are affected by what we do every day. For the past ten years I have been honored to stand by the side of a grieving family member and reassure them that their loved one's decision to save lives will be a reality. While facing unimaginable loss, bringing hope to a donor family motivates me to do everything in my power to make sure their loved one is able to leave a lasting legacy. It is a privilege to work tirelessly, overcoming any obstacle, for each donor, recipient, and those waiting for a life-saving transplant.

Biography

Karlie Barone, CPTC, is the Manager of Transplant Coordinator Services at Gift of Life Donor Program, where she brings over a decade of leadership in organ and tissue donation, transplant logistics, and clinical operations. With a foundation in emergency medicine and a steady rise through clinical and leadership roles, Barone is widely recognized for her operational expertise and her commitment to donor families and team development.

She was nominated for The Alliance 40 Under 40 by Shannon Kaminski, Vice President of Transplant Coordinator Services at Gift of Life. “Karlie has emerged as a visionary leader, driving advocacy, collaboration, and excellence in donation and transplantation,” Kaminski shared. “She fosters a culture of growth, learning, and empowerment within her team, and has helped shape the next generation of donation professionals. Her commitment to progress and innovation has left a lasting impact.”

Barone began her healthcare journey as a paramedic before joining Gift of Life in 2014 as a Transplant Coordinator. She advanced into roles as an Advanced Practice Coordinator and Clinical Team Leader before assuming her current position. Today, she oversees a high-performing transplant coordination team and serves as an Administrator on Call, responsible for critical, time-sensitive decision-making during off-hours transplant operations.

Barone holds a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh and is a Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator (CPTC). She has presented clinical case studies on complex donation scenarios and is regarded as a respected mentor and operational strategist within one of the nation’s top-performing OPOs.

Karlie Barone exemplifies professional excellence in donation and transplantation. Her leadership continues to elevate clinical practice, strengthen team culture, and honor the legacy of donor heroes through every life-saving opportunity.