#United States #Pittsburgh #organ donation #CORE #Deborah Maurer

From Transplantation to Donation: A New Era at CORE

Deborah Maurer, an experienced transplant coordinator, has officially assumed the role of CEO and president at the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) as of September 1, 2026. Her appointment comes after a notable career that includes extensive experience in healthcare, particularly in organ transplantation. Maurer's previous role as transplant administrator at UPMC Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute has equipped her with invaluable insights into the intricacies of organ procurement and transplantation processes.

A Fresh Perspective

Having spent years in the transplantation sector, Maurer has a profound understanding of what it means to receive that life-changing call about an available organ. Her transition to focusing on donation has allowed her to appreciate the extensive efforts that precede these moments. She emphasizes the need for collaboration between hospitals, organ procurement organizations, and transplant programs to optimize the donation process. "This process begins with a donor and their family, and it requires a tremendous amount of coordination and clinical expertise to turn that gift into a second chance for someone else," Maurer explains.

CORE's Legacy and Future

CORE, which has been operational for nearly 50 years, has a mission to save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation. Serving over five million people across states such as Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New York, the organization has established relationships with about 150 hospitals. It also provides necessary support to donor families throughout the entire donation process. Maurer’s leadership comes at a time when CORE has been setting records in organ donations—484 organ donors contributed to 1,191 transplants in 2025, marking a remarkable increase from previous years. This achievement aligns with the organization's commitment to excellence, evidenced by the 2019 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

Building on Successful Strategies

One of Maurer’s primary goals as CEO is to enhance the ongoing successes of CORE. She intends to further leverage clinical innovation to convert donor opportunities into successful transplants. Emerging technologies and methods, such as advanced organ preservation and perfusion that keep organs functional outside the human body, are already transforming the industry. "Clinical innovation creates opportunities we could only imagine years ago. More lives are being saved every day," she notes.

Investing in the Future

In addition to embracing new technologies, Maurer acknowledges the importance of investing in the staff, processes, and infrastructure necessary to ensure the effectiveness and safety of organ donation. A vital investment is the construction of the Susan Stuart Center for Excellence, which is set to open in the summer of 2027. This facility will expand CORE’s operational capabilities as it adapts to the evolving needs within the field of donation and transplantation.

Strengthening Partnerships

Another area of focus for Maurer will be enhancing collaboration among hospitals, donation organizations, and transplant centers. She understands that donation processes often initiate at hospital bedsides and requires significant coordination among multiple parties. "Hospitals, transplant programs, and CORE are on the same team, working towards a common goal," Maurer states. By fostering open communication and collaboration, Maurer aims to uncover areas for improvement and streamline the process of donation.

Emphasizing Trust and Transparency

Maurer believes that the foundation for CORE’s future lies in maintaining trust with donors, families, and partners. The organization’s commitment to transparency is evident from its track record that has consistently yielded high satisfaction rates among donor families, ranging from 95 to 100%. New advancements in medicine and technology should go hand-in-hand with responsible practices that ensure families receive the utmost respect and integrity throughout their experiences.

Looking Ahead

Ultimately, Maurer’s vision for CORE is centered on the patients who continue to wait for life-saving transplants, emphasizing the importance of each call that can change a person’s life. As of now, over 100,000 individuals are still on the waiting list for a transplant across the nation. "If we can keep improving our processes and practices, we’ll increase the number of successful transplants, leading to more families enjoying precious moments together," she concluded. This commitment to enhancing organ donation and transplant efficiency promises a hopeful future for both CORE and the thousands of lives it touches each year.

For additional information about organ donation or to register as a donor, visit CORE.