#USA #McLean #AOPO #Jeff Trageser #Allison Erickson

AOPO Welcomes New Leadership for 2025-2026

The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) has recently announced its newly appointed leadership team for the 2025-2026 period, including the inauguration of Jeff Trageser as the President. This leadership change aims to further the organization’s mission in supporting organ procurement operations and advancing the national target of achieving 50,000 organ transplants from deceased donors by the year 2026.

Leadership Overview

Jeff Trageser, who has spent over 30 years in healthcare and two decades working within the U.S. organ donation system, takes on the crucial role of President. His extensive experience in the field positions him as a respected leader who is determined to innovate and set performance metrics that help Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) save more lives. Trageser, who is also the Executive Director of Lifesharing in San Diego, is known for his collaborative leadership style and patient-centered approach.

In his acceptance statement, Trageser expressed his commitment to leading professionals devoted to organ donation: “I’m honored to lead this exceptional community of professionals who dedicate themselves to giving hope to patients and families every single day. Together, we will continue pushing for bold solutions, smarter systems, and greater collaboration as we strive to advance deceased organ donation and honor every donor hero.”

Strategic Vision and Goals

The primary goal for AOPO, under Trageser's leadership, will be striving toward innovative solutions to enhance organ donation systems. This initiative includes establishing refined and accurate performance metrics for OPOs, aiming to improve overall operational effectiveness while meeting the growing demand for organ transplantation services. This effort will be crucial for achieving the ambitious national goal set for 2026.

New President-Elect and Board Members

Joining Trageser, Allison Erickson has been appointed as the President-Elect. As the Chief Administrative Officer of New England Donor Services (NEDS), Erickson has over 16 years of experience working within one of the largest OPOs in the country. Her contributions to talent development and organizational growth are widely recognized, especially for her work on the COACH performance feedback system and national recruitment efforts. Moreover, she is credited with successfully facilitating mergers and advancing staff retention through mentorship programs.

Both Trageser and Erickson are set to usher in new strategic initiatives that will facilitate the operational growth of OPOs across different states. Trageser’s data-driven methodologies combined with Erickson’s robust strategies are expected to yield positive outcomes for organ procurement and transplant processes nationwide.

Other New Appointments

In addition to the leadership appointments, AOPO welcomes new board members, including Craig Van De Walker and Charles Strom, who are set to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the organization. This broader team will work collaboratively to harness resources and best practices that ensure every opportunity for organ donation is fully realized, thereby saving countless lives in the process.

Steve Miller, the CEO of AOPO, expressed gratitude toward outgoing board members and excitement for the new leadership. He stated, “Their experience and dedication will shape AOPO's future during this pivotal moment for organ donation and transplantation.” Miller emphasizes the critical importance of this new leadership in guiding the organization to meet its ambitious objectives.

The Role of AOPO

AOPO is a nonprofit trade association representing federally designated Organ Procurement Organizations in the United States. Since 1984, it has been at the forefront of national efforts to enhance organ donation outcomes and ensure collaboration among stakeholders. The organization’s initiatives aim to provide hope to patients in need of organ transplants and to realize a future where every potential donor can help save lives.

For more information about the activities and goals of AOPO, please visit www.aopo.org.