New CORE CEO Deborah Maurer Aims to Bridge Donation and Transplantation

Maurer joins CORE following a long tenure as transplant administrator at the UPMC Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute. This background in the clinical side of transplantation informs her current mandate: transforming how hospitals and procurement organizations coordinate to turn donor opportunities into life-saving outcomes. Under her leadership, the organization aims to build upon seven consecutive years of record-breaking donation performance, including a 2025 output of 1,191 transplanted organs.

Central to her vision is the expansion of clinical technology, specifically organ perfusion and preservation, which allows teams to extend the viability of donated organs. Beyond technology, Maurer is overseeing the development of the Susan Stuart Center for Excellence in O'Hara Township, a facility designed to anticipate the evolving infrastructure needs of the transplant sector through 2027 and beyond. By prioritizing transparent communication and process improvement, she intends to ensure that the rapid advancements in medical technology remain grounded in the trust of donor families and the practical needs of frontline hospital staff.