M. Jill McMaster, M.A., CAPT USNR (Ret.), had a 23-year career with the Central Intelligence Agency, serving as a strategic planner in science and technology and a program manager for research and development initiatives. Upon her retirement, she was awarded the CIA's Career Achievement Medal. She also served in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve, retiring with the rank of captain. She is the recipient of a deceased donor kidney.

She has served as board liaison to the OPTN/UNOS kidney transplantation committee. She also served as a member of the OPTN/UNOS kidney and pancreas transplantation committee.

McMaster has volunteered with transplant- and kidney-related organizations for more than 25 years. She is active with the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation (PKDF), including nine years on its board of trustees and on the national scientific programs committee. She volunteers with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of East Tennessee and has served on its executive committee and as chair of its education and its public policy and legislation committees. She additionally is a public education volunteer with both Tennessee Donor Services and the Renal Support Network. She was an active volunteer with the Washington Regional Transplant Community, also serving on the advisory board for its speakers bureau.

She earned a master's degree from the University of Chicago and a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.