David DeStefano

Executive Director for the organ and tissue donation program in the Orlando Florida area.

As the Director of Operations, I was responsible for leading recovery and hospital services operations for Lifesharing, San Diego. During this time, we led the staff to second highest organ transplant rate in organization’s history and the second highest number of organ donors in organization’s history. Additionally, I spearheaded a performance improvement initiative for lung donation that resulted in 126% improvement in lung transplantation.

Directed and managed all organ and tissue donation operations for the Washington, DC area’s federally designated Organ Procurement Organization (OPO). This includes leading the organization’s largest, primary team, consistent with stated mission, vision and values and achieved the highest organ and tissue donation and transplantation rates in the organization’s history. This was ultimately recognized by the US Department of Health & Human Services with the prestigious Gold Medal of Honor for life-saving performance in 2011. Additionally, I developed innovative new departmental staffing structures (i.e. formation of focused management teams) and positions (i.e. dedicated Family Support Services personnel) in response to ongoing challenges and opportunities in healthcare. Functioned as organization’s clinical expert in all audits by Food and Drug Administration (FDA), American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Worked closely with Board of Directors to set and implement strategic plans and goals.

Supervised daily activities of organ and tissue recovery personnel. Additionally, directed recruiting, hiring and training of new employees in the practices of organ and tissue recovery. Developed and implemented the first comprehensive training program in organ and tissue recovery that was subsequently recognized as a “Best Practice” in the industry