VIENNA, Va. — July 22, 2016 —
On Wednesday, June 22, 2016, the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) recognized Susan Gunderson by presenting her with the 2016 AOPO Achievement Award. Generously sponsored by CryoLife, this national award recognizes an individual who demonstrates significant professional and/or personal contributions in support of AOPO and its mission. The award was presented at the Association’s 33rd Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas.
Gunderson received the award for her 27 years of dedication to the Donation and Transplantation Community of Practice. Jay Campbell, J.D., AOPO president 2015-2016, presented the award stating, “Since 1989, when [Gunderson] took the helm at LifeSource, she has engaged thoughtfully and purposefully with those in the organ procurement organization(OPOs) community to support AOPO and the national donation and transplant efforts to save lives.”
Gunderson is the chief executive officer and founder of LifeSource, the OPO serving Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and portions of western Wisconsin. She has served as president of AOPO and on the boards of several national organizations within the Donation and Transplantation Community of Practice. Gunderson currently serves as chair of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Ad Hoc International Relations Committee and remains active on AOPO committees.