LifeLink Foundation Appoints Kelly Cullen as Chief Operating Officer

Cullen brings 30+ years of healthcare leadership to support LifeLink's lifesaving mission.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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LifeLink Foundation, a leading organ and tissue donation organization, has appointed Kelly Cullen, RN, MBA, as its new Chief Operating Officer. Cullen, who has over three decades of experience in healthcare, will provide strategic and operational leadership to advance quality, performance, and team engagement at LifeLink.

Why it matters

LifeLink Foundation plays a critical role in facilitating organ and tissue donations, helping to save thousands of lives each year. Cullen's appointment underscores the organization's commitment to strengthening its operational capabilities and supporting its mission-driven teams to have the greatest possible impact on the patients, families, and communities it serves.

The details

In her new role, Cullen will focus on reinforcing LifeLink's operational foundation, supporting team member engagement and development, and deepening the organization's impact. Cullen, who previously worked as an emergency room nurse, has a deep personal connection to LifeLink's lifesaving mission and is committed to honoring the trust placed in the organization by donor families.

  • Cullen joined LifeLink Foundation as Chief Operating Officer on February 13, 2026.

The players

Kelly Cullen

A registered nurse with an MBA in Healthcare Administration, Cullen has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry and will now serve as the Chief Operating Officer of LifeLink Foundation.

Stephanie Hernández

The Chief Executive Officer of LifeLink Foundation, Hernández praised Cullen's leadership approach and her ability to provide strategic operational guidance while honoring the organization's lifesaving mission.

LifeLink Foundation

The parent organization of five divisions supporting organ and tissue donation for transplant, LifeLink works to ensure that every donor's gift is honored and every opportunity to save a life is realized.

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What they’re saying

“I am deeply grateful for the exceptional teams and organizations I have had the privilege to serve with, and I am honored to join LifeLink as the Chief Operating Officer. Our work lives at the intersection of profound sadness, hope and joy. Organ and tissue donation is one of the most selfless acts a person or family can give, and our responsibility is to honor that trust by helping make the gift of life possible for those in need.”

— Kelly Cullen, Chief Operating Officer, LifeLink Foundation (BusinessWire)

“Kelly leads with deep purpose and authenticity. She understands that our mission is carried out by people—our team members who show up every day to support donor families, recipients, and hospital partners. Her ability to provide strategic operational leadership, while honoring the heart of our lifesaving mission, will help an already great organization become even stronger.”

— Stephanie Hernández, Chief Executive Officer, LifeLink Foundation (BusinessWire)

The takeaway

Cullen's appointment as LifeLink Foundation's Chief Operating Officer underscores the organization's commitment to strengthening its operational capabilities and supporting its mission-driven teams to have the greatest possible impact on the patients, families, and communities it serves through organ and tissue donation.