Episode 66: What does The Chief Administration Officer Do Within An OPO (Organ Procurement Organization)?

This Thing Called Life

On this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson finishes up the series of exploring all the parts and roles in the donation process at the OPO. Many different entities come together to make it all possible. Today, Tracie Shelton, the Chief Administration Officer joins the show to share about her role in the organization. Tune in!

Episode Highlights:

• Andi reviews the departments that she has spoken with over this series and the value of how so many come together for the life-saving gifts of organ donation.
• The nature of working in an OPO is very gratifying and mission-focused. If you are looking to move into something that has more meaning and a way to give back to the community, a role at LifeCenter or in an OPO may be for you.
• Andi introduces Tracie Shelton, who is new to the OPO and is the current Chief Administration Officer.
• Tracie has extensive experience in healthcare. She is a nurse by background and has held a lot of leadership roles at high performing hospitals in the area.
• Life Center has been the opportunity of a lifetime for Tracie, she says. She explains when she came in and went to the community breakfast right away.
• Andi asks Tracie what it has been like to switch from larger organizations to a smaller one. She shares the benefits.
• Regulations are Tracie’s speciality and she wants to add value to support the mission and all teams.
• What does a typical day look like for the Chief Administration Officer since it can look different each day? Who reports to this role?
• The level of professionalism and work at LifeCenter is amazing, Tracie says.
• The relationships between LifeCenter and donor families are so strong. Tracie talks about that importance as she has seen the other transplant side in healthcare.
• What skills are necessary for a role like Tracie’s?
• Andi reminds the listeners that there are 104,398 men, women, and children who need an organ transplant. How can you help?

3 Key Points:

1. Tracie sees being at LifeCenter as an opportunity of a lifetime because of the mission-focused and life-saving work.
2. What does a typical day look like for the Chief Administration Officer since it can look different each day?
3. You have what it takes when you have the leadership skills, you often need to just be. Tracie talks about confidence building, communication, and the feeling that you can really rely on each other.

Resources: https://aopo.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/ https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/ https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH