FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sarah Diina, 400-7249(c), sdiina@ConnectLife.org
Kevin Gramlich appointed Chief Executive Officer of ConnectLife
Kevin Gramlich has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of ConnectLife, WNY’s only organ, eye, tissue and community blood center, effective November 1, 2022. In this new role Gramlich will oversee and manage all operations of the multi-million-dollar non-profit, and will be responsible for establishing a structure that meets the needs of ConnectLife and its goals. Mark Simon will continue as the President of ConnectLife and the organization’s top executive, focusing on long-term goals and mission-driven results.
“Kevin’s experience and dedication to our mission make him the perfect successor as CEO of ConnectLife,” said Mark Simon, current President & CEO of ConnectLife. “I have proudly served this organization for over 25 years and look forward to working side by side with Kevin as he leads ConnectLife with integrity, compassion, accountability, and respect.”
Gramlich, an RN and resident of Williamsville, has been a part of ConnectLife (formerly Unyts) for more than twenty-five years. He first served as a Clinical Donation Coordinator working in our local hospitals with donor families and has worked in several other management roles, including Senior VP of Clinical Services and Chief Operations Officer, prior to his appointment as CEO.
In his 20+ years at ConnectLife Gramlich has been integral in the organization’s growth as one of the most successful Organ Procurement Organizations in the country. He is actively involved in the transplant and donation industry across the U.S., participating on many boards and committees including- North American Transplant Coordinators Organization, New York State Transplant Council, Donate Life New York State Legislative Committee, New York Center for Liver Transplantation Consortium, New York Cardiothoracic Transplant Consortium, New York State Transplant and OPO Covid-19 Committee, Kidney Foundation of WNY, and the WNY Covid Vaccination Hub Task Force.
ConnectLife has experienced tremendous growth over the years. In 2022 it is expected that ConnectLife will employ over 220 people and have an operating budget of $40 million. With expanded operations in Rochester, Syracuse and Albany, ConnectLife anticipates that it will facilitate approximately 37,000 organ, eye, tissue and blood donors on an annual basis across 50 counties, in partnership with 100 hospitals. These donors will impact close to 300,000 lives.
Download this press release here.
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ConnectLife helps people help others. As a federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organization and community blood bank, we save and enhance lives through organ, eye, tissue and blood donations.