LifeShare Network exists to save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation across Oklahoma. As the state's federally designated Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), the organization continually seeks new ways to improve outcomes for donor families and the patients awaiting transplantation. When emerging research challenged long-held assumptions about the Requestor role, LifeShare chose to embrace a new approach—one that would ultimately improve authorization rates and strengthen support for donor families.

For years, many OPOs relied on a single Requestor role to provide both family support and donation advocacy. However, research conducted by DeGarmo across 38 OPOs revealed that the behavioral traits associated with high authorization rates differed significantly from those associated with family support. The findings suggested that individuals with different strengths may best deliver donation advocacy and family support. Rather than maintaining a traditional model, LifeShare chose to explore a new approach designed to better align people with the work they do best.

Working with DeGarmo, LifeShare used behavioral assessments and employee feedback to place team members into either Donation Advocate or Family Support roles. While implementation required thoughtful conversations and some adjustments along the way, the new structure allowed employees to focus on their natural strengths. Donation Advocates could concentrate on authorization conversations, while Family Support staff spent more time supporting families through the donation process and preparing them for the difficult moments ahead.

The impact was immediate. During a three-month study period, LifeShare increased its non-registered DCD authorization rate from 49% to 65%, representing a 25% improvement over historical performance. According to Kim Gillespie, Director of Hospital Development & Family Services, the increase came from having Donation Advocates lead more DCD authorization conversations. Beyond the numbers, the initiative demonstrated how talent science can improve both family support and donation outcomes, ultimately helping more lives be saved through transplantation.

While organizational change can bring challenges, LifeShare's results demonstrate the power of combining talent science with a mission-driven culture. By rethinking traditional role structures and investing in evidence-based talent strategies, the organization created a model that supports employees, better serves donor families, and ultimately helps more patients receive the gift of life through transplantation. As OPOs continue to explore new ways to improve outcomes, LifeShare's story highlights the potential impact of putting the right people in the right roles at the right time.