July 19, 2012
Brian Shepard Promoted to UNOS Chief Operating Officer
RICHMOND, Va., - United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) promoted Brian Shepard from assistant executive director for contract operations to chief operating officer. UNOS manages the nation’s transplant system, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), under contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Services & Resources Administration.
In this newly created position, the COO will manage all day to day aspects of UNOS' operational policies, objectives and initiatives. Shepard will assist the executive director in developing, planning and implementing strategic objectives to drive successful growth. He will provide the leadership, management and vision needed to ensure that UNOS has proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures and people systems in place to effectively grow the organization and to ensure financial strength and operating efficiency.
As assistant executive director for contract operations, Shepard served as the OPTN project director and oversaw the OPTN's efforts to protect patient safety. He will continue these responsibilities as well.
"Brian has demonstrated excellent leadership ability at UNOS in a number of increasingly responsible roles over the last few years. He’s moved UNOS in a positive direction on many fronts and will have the ability to have an even greater impact in this new role," said UNOS Executive Director Walter Graham.
Shepard joined UNOS in February 2010 as director of policy after serving 15 years in various high-level positions in Virginia state government, including the director of policy for the governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. In that position, Shepard worked directly with the governor to help determine the policy priorities of the Commonwealth.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, VA.
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