#United States #organ donation #McLean, Virginia #AOPO #Allison Erickson

AOPO's New Leadership for 2026-2027

The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) is excited to declare its new Board leadership team for the 2026–2027 term, headed by Allison Erickson, the Chief Administrative Officer of New England Donor Services (NEDS). With the organ donation sector facing a crucial phase, the leadership aims to improve public trust and operational effectiveness in the face of comprehensive regulatory changes.

Leadership Transition and Vision

Allison Erickson, who will officially start her tenure as President on June 22, 2026, brings over 16 years of experience from NEDS, one of the country's leading organ procurement organizations. Her extensive background includes numerous initiatives aimed at nurturing talent, enhancing organizational culture, and facilitating operational growth within the six-state region served by NEDS.

Under her guidance, NEDS has successfully implemented national recruitment programs, completed noteworthy mergers, and introduced leadership development initiatives that enhance staff engagement and retention. One of her significant contributions was the establishment of the COACH performance feedback system, designed to ensure accountability and foster employee development.

In her own words, Erickson expressed her honor in taking on the role and her commitment to the dedicated professionals in the organ donation community. She emphasized the importance of collaboration in navigating transformative changes across healthcare and regulatory frameworks. “I look forward to working with our members to enhance collaboration, support innovation, and advance a donation system that respects donors and serves the patients in need,” she stated.

New Board Members

Besides the appointment of the new President, AOPO welcomes several other key figures to its Board of Directors for the upcoming term. Harry Wilkins III, MD, the President & CEO of Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, will assume the role of President-Elect. Wilkins, a former trauma surgeon, has abundant expertise in organ donation and was instrumental in establishing the committee for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) within AOPO.

The new board also includes:

• - Leonard Licina, President & CEO of Legacy of Life Hawaii (At-Large Member)
• - Santokh Gill, President & CEO of LifeCenter Northwest (OPO Population Group 4 Representative)
• - Sharon Bayliss, Vice President of Administration and CFO at Gift of Life Michigan (Secretary/Treasurer)

Steve Miller, the CEO of AOPO, remarked that the newly appointed leadership reflects the experience and dedication vital for evolving the organ donation landscape. He expressed confidence in their ability to bolster public trust, improve OPO performance, and ultimately benefit the patients and communities relying on this essential system.

Concluding Remarks

As AOPO prepares for the upcoming term, its strategic focus lies not just in enhancing operational efficacy but also in strengthening the community's base through educational initiatives and performance metrics. The commitment of the new board members resonates with AOPO’s vision of a future where every donation opportunity is maximized to save lives. AOPO looks forward to its members’ collaborative efforts in navigating the complex dynamics of organ donation and transplantation effectively.

For more information on AOPO's initiatives and leadership, visit aopo.org.