Leading with Passion: The Heart of Donor Network West
At the forefront of organ, eye, and tissue donation, Donor Network West stands as a beacon of hope with its dedicated leadership team. This organization, recognized as the second largest organ procurement organization (OPO) in the United States, has a mission that resonates deeply with its executive members, many of whom have first-hand experiences with organ donation. On any given day, there are over 10,000 individuals waiting for life-saving transplants. Sadly, approximately 17 people each day succumb to the wait without receiving the organs they desperately need.
A Personal Connection to a Life-Saving Cause
Janice F. Whaley, Ph.D., is the CEO of Donor Network West and highlights the crucial connection between passion and efficiency in fulfilling the organization's mission. Having joined the team in early 2019, her leadership has already made significant impacts, boosting organ recovery rates across various metrics and saving hundreds of lives. Whaley believes that passion is essential in this work, stating,
“It is difficult, in fact, almost impossible to do this job effectively without passion.”
Whaley cites her personal drive as a key motivator, one deeply influenced by her experiences with patients, including Tyler—a cystic fibrosis patient who, despite facing his mortality, chose to share his organs with others in need. Her commitment is rooted in the desire to honor individuals like Tyler, who inspire her to push forward in their shared mission: to save lives.
Stories of Transformation and Encounters
Luis Mayen, the Vice President of External Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at Donor Network West, has walked the talk as a living kidney donor. With over two decades of experience at the organization, Mayen took the life-changing step of donating his kidney altruistically. He considers this act a personal gift to someone in dire need, illustrating how donations extend beyond the individual donor to encompass broader community healing. Mayen proclaims,
“It's the best decision I ever made in my life.” His experience embodies the essence of the organization's mission—a chance at renewed life for those suffering from chronic conditions.
Dr. Alin Gragossian, the Associate Medical Director and fellow heart transplant recipient, emphasizes the importance of mental health and shares her story both as a doctor and as a patient. Having transitioned from her role in intensive care post-organ transplant, Gragossian's dual perspective provides a unique insight. She spreads awareness regarding the mental well-being of organ recipients, advocating on platforms like social media. Her openness about her vulnerabilities has become a source of strength, inspiring others navigating their own health journeys.
Mark Borer, Vice President of Quality Systems, has a rich history with Donor Network West, participating in virtually every aspect of organ procurement since starting as a tissue recovery technician 30 years ago. His experiences dovetail personal and professional perspectives, particularly when he reflects on his mother’s successful cornea transplant.
“When people think of transplant, they often think about the recipient. But it's also the family surrounding the recipient that benefits a lot,” Borer explains, demonstrating the organization’s wider impact on lives surrounding donor families.
The Broader Impact of Donor Network West
As a federally designated OPO serving northern California and northern Nevada, Donor Network West plays a crucial role in coordinating organ recovery and facilitating donor registrations. Last year, through concerted efforts, they achieved remarkable milestones—1,390 organ transplants, honoring the stories of 493 organ donor heroes and 2,590 tissue donors. Each donation represents an opportunity to save lives and give hope.
In conclusion, the leadership of Donor Network West combines active, lived experiences with a relentless drive to help others. Their personal connections to organ donation not only fuel their professional commitments but also resonate throughout their operational practices, inspiring both the organization’s team and those they serve. As they continue to advocate for donations, they embody the understanding that a single organ donor can save up to eight lives and improve many more through tissue donation.
To join the organ donor registry or to learn more about their impactful work, interested readers can visit
Donor Network West.