VIENNA, Va. — July 22, 2016 —
On Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016, the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) recognized United Network of Organ Sharing’s (UNOS) Chief Executive Officer Brian Shepard by presenting him with the Association’s 2016 Chief Executive Officer’s Award. This award honors the contributions of an individual outside of the organ procurement organization (OPO) community whose work has greatly influenced and impacted the work and mission of OPOs. AOPO Chief Executive Officer Elling Eidbo presented the award at the Association’s 33rd Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas.
“In this highly visible position, many have followed Brian as he embraced the role of the CEO of UNOS and worked closely with its diverse community,” said Elling Eidbo, CEO of AOPO. “We have engaged with him as he has guided the 350 UNOS team members, working diligently with its many committees, HRSA, and others in the Donation and Transplantation Community of Practice and recognize his great leadership towards our common goal of saving more lives.”
Shepard began his tenure at UNOS in 2010 as the director of policy, later serving as chief operating officer and interim chief executive officer. He was named chief executive officer in 2013, and has lead the organization through a series of changes internally, and works closely with the community in its persistent journey to continually look for and deploy ways to improve systems and processes in donation and transplantation.
Shepard holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Va. and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Prior to working at UNOS, Shepard served in policy positions in the Virginia State Government, culminating as director of policy in Governor Timothy M. Kaine’s administration.