VIENNA, Va. — July 22, 2016 —

On Wednesday, June 22, 2016, the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) recognized Patricia Niles by presenting her with the Association’s President’s Award. The award was presented at the Association’s 33rd Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas by the 2015-2016 AOPO President Jay Campbell, J.D.

The President’s Award is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to both their organ procurement organization (OPO) and the organ procurement community as a whole through servant leadership. “We are leaders; we are capable, we are bright, but we are always in service,” said Jay Campbell, J.D. “Through her drive and spirit Niles shows her uncompromising love for helping others and saving lives, which has allowed her to embolden, empower and inspire her team to turn Southwest Transplant Alliance around with long-term, data-driven, best-practice programs.”

Niles has served on several AOPO Councils and Committees and has served as chairperson of the AOPO Ethics Committee and Procurement Council. She continues to remain active in the national Donation and Transplantation Community of Practice. Niles is currently president and chief executive officer of the Dallas-based OPO Southwest Transplant Alliance, president of Donate Life Texas, and a member of the UNOS OPO Committee.