Our Team's Vision

My hope for the future of donation is that continued research, innovative ideas and enhanced technology will grow our impact in saving and enhancing lives. Sharing these stories of lives changed as part of our public education efforts will make a difference in all communities.

Kristin Erdmann
Human Resources Manager

My hope for the next 30 years is that everyone in our communities naturally chooses to designate themselves an organ, eye and tissue donor, ending deaths on the waiting list and significantly increasing the number of people who receive a second chance at life.

Peter Farstad
Chief Administrative Officer

In the next 30 years, I hope that our driver’s license teams and motor vehicle staff will feel even more proud and empowered in their lifesaving and healing role in organ, eye and tissue donation. Donation begins with a decision, and it’s these teams that are helping people in our communities document that important choice.

Jessie Fiene
Community Partner Liaison

My hope for the future of donation in our communities is that innovations in research and medical advancements will increase the numbers of organs each person is able to donate, in turn reducing the number of individuals on the waiting list.

Jody Fischer
Hospital Liaison

Collaboration and partnership have been key to our success in the past thirty years, and they’ll continue to be vitally important in the future. We’re fortunate to have world-renowned transplant centers in our region and I see a future where we continue to grow our network of healthcare and community partners who invest in helping people. Leaning into our value of innovation, we’ll together create a place where everyone shares the gift of life.

Susan Gunderson
Chief Executive Officer

My hope is that we’re able to normalize conversations about donation and end-of-life choices, and that everyone is having these discussions with their loved ones.

Mike Hutto
Designer

I see medical technology continuing to advance over the next three decades, and my hope is that these innovations will lead to more people being able to share the precious gifts of life and sight.

Julie Kemink
Chief Clinical Officer

My vision is that our advocacy for and stewardship of the gifts of donation results in a reduced organ transplant waiting list; that everyone who needs an organ will get one.

Mary Kill
Quality Assurance Coordinator

My vision for donation in the next thirty years is that people see the gifts of organ, eye and tissue donation as the norm rather than the exception.  I also hope that people who register to be donors after death would also consider living donation.

John LeMay
Senior Family Support Coordinator

My hope for the future of donation in our communities is that telling the stories of donation and transplantation will inspire an ever-increasing number of people to register as donors. It’s one thing to hear the numbers behind the organ shortage or impact of tissue transplants; sharing stories moves us in a more powerful and compassionate way to be part of the solution.

Erin Lilliencrantz
Communications Coordinator

In the next thirty years I see our vision realized – a community where everyone shares the gift of life, regardless of age, background or pre-conceived notion about their own health.

Rebecca Ousley
Communications Manager

My hope for the next 30 years is that everyone says yes to donation and that, nationwide, we achieve a 100% donor registration rate. We can achieve this by harnessing the advocacy for donation already present in our communities through the power of storytelling and connection.

Teresa Turner
Advocacy & Ambassador Coordinator

In the next thirty years, my hope is that no one dies waiting on the list for an organ transplant and that donation opportunities continue to expand to help more people in need.

Tim Verschaetse
Program Development Manager

In the next 30 years I hope our public education programs replace unknowns with understanding and knowledge.

Lindsey Williams
Community Education Liaison

I hope the next thirty years brings an answer to the question: What if everyone said yes to donation? I see a world where technology, medicine and generosity come together so that donated gifts are available for everyone in need. Wouldn’t it be amazing if a person in need of a transplant were able to schedule it because we have an abundance of gifts?

Katelyn Wilson
Clinical Hospital Coordinator