LifeSource's mission is simple but profound: save and heal lives through organ donation. As the Organ Procurement Organization serving the Upper Midwest, the organization has recently undertaken a transformation that is expanding donor potential, strengthening employee development, and driving record-setting outcomes.

The journey began following an AOPO assessment in 2024 that revealed an opportunity to rethink how donor potential was defined. Rather than accepting existing limits, LifeSource made 2025 its "year of education and training," focusing on building knowledge, consistency, and confidence across the organization.

That commitment quickly translated into results. Through targeted training and expanded clinical criteria, donor potential increased from 17.5% at the end of 2024 to 24.8% in 2025. The organization also raised its donor age criteria from 60 to 70, supported by advances in transplant technology that made more organs viable for transplantation.

The impact was significant: by July 2025, LifeSource achieved its best month ever with 42 organ donors and 130 organs transplanted.

Growth brought new challenges, including increased workload and more complex family interactions. To support employees, LifeSource invested heavily in resilience and connection. A dedicated resilience specialist now works with staff, reinforcing the idea that resilience is a daily practice rather than a response to crisis.

The organization also reintroduced regular in-person gatherings, helping employees strengthen relationships and reconnect with colleagues beyond virtual meetings. These efforts have helped create a more engaged and supported workforce.

A key part of LifeSource's transformation has been its partnership with DeGarmo. What began as an initiative focused on donation liaisons has expanded across multiple roles throughout the organization. Employees now set both performance goals and personal development goals based on assessment results, with ongoing coaching and leader support.

The result has been a cultural shift. Team members increasingly view development as a meaningful investment in their personal growth, not simply another training program. By combining evidence-based assessments with individualized coaching, LifeSource has created a framework that strengthens both employee engagement and organizational performance.

LifeSource continues to focus on expanding donor potential, strengthening hospital partnerships, and embedding resilience and development into its culture. While the organization has made significant progress toward Tier 1 performance, leadership remains focused on the people driving the mission every day.

LifeSource's story demonstrates the power of redefining potential. By challenging assumptions, investing in employees, and embracing continuous learning, the organization has positioned itself as a model for innovation and growth in organ donation—ultimately helping more lives be saved through transplantation.