LIFEBANC NAMES NEW CEO
Katie Payne, RN MSN, named Lifebanc CEO
After an extensive national search, the board of directors at Lifebanc, northeast Ohio’s nonprofit organ and tissue recovery organization, has appointed Katie Payne as its new Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2025. She succeeds Gordon Bowen who will retire at the end of the year.
Payne joins Lifebanc with over a decade of experience in healthcare, bringing a deep understanding of the complexities of donation and transplantation. She joins Lifebanc from LifeLink of Georgia, where she currently serves as Executive Director. In this role, she has been instrumental in enhancing donation services and expanding community engagement programs. Under her leadership, LifeLink of Georgia consistently elevated its performance, increasing the number of lives to be saved through organ, eye, and tissue donation.
Prior to LifeLink, Payne, who is also a registered nurse, held leadership roles at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, including the Clinical Director of Kidney, Pancreas, Liver and Living Donor Transplant. Her broad experience in managing transplant services, coupled with hands-on clinical expertise, uniquely positions her to lead Lifebanc into its next chapter.
“This is a pivotal time for Lifebanc, and we are thrilled to have someone with Katie’s tenure, direct experience and shared passion for saving and healing lives to help lead us forward,” explained Alan Papa, Chair of the Lifebanc Board of Directors. “Her proven track record, leadership in donation and transplantation, and commitment to making a lasting impact makes her the ideal person to build on the strong foundation that the current leadership has established.”
As the sister of a donor hero, Payne brings a personal commitment to the mission. Her leadership will not only focus on maintaining Lifebanc’s high standards but also fostering innovation in donation practices, support for donor families, enhancing outreach and education efforts, and strengthening relationships with healthcare providers and the communities Lifebanc serves.
“Lifebanc plays such a vital role in saving and improving lives through organ and tissue donation. This is very personal and meaningful to every single person who works here, plus our partners. My story is no different than so many of my new colleagues or those who call northeast Ohio home,” said Payne. “My life was forever changed when we lost my older brother in a car accident, and we made the decision to donate his tissue. I understand organ donation from a very personal standpoint, as well as professional and medical perspectives. I am so proud to accept this position and work alongside such a dedicated team. Together, we will continue to raise awareness, build partnerships, and foster a culture of compassion to ensure that every individual in need receives the gift of life. I look forward to this journey and to making a meaningful impact in our community.”
The Lifebanc Board extends its gratitude to Mr. Bowen upon his retirement. Mr. Bowen leaves behind a legacy of growth and community impact.
About Lifebanc
Lifebanc is Northeast Ohio’s non-profit organ, eye, and tissue recovery organization with a mission to save and heal lives. The organization serves over four million people and works with 80 hospitals in a 20-county area. Lifebanc facilitates the organ, eye, and tissue recovery and donation processes, provides extensive care and support services to donor families and facilitates community outreach and education programs to encourage registration on the Ohio Donor Registry.
