LifeLink Foundation today announced that Kelly Cullen, RN, MBA, has joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer (COO) to support the mission and continued growth of LifeLink. Cullen will provide strategic and operational leadership to advance quality and performance, support team member engagement and development, and deepen partnerships with hospitals and the communities LifeLink serves across Florida, Georgia and Puerto Rico.

For Cullen, joining LifeLink represents both a new chapter and a meaningful full circle in her professional journey. Having spent her career in healthcare at the service of others, beginning as an emergency room nurse, she has long viewed LifeLink as a trusted partner in the shared mission of saving lives. “From caring for patients to making the gift of life possible,” her transition to LifeLink reflects a deep personal connection with an organization whose purpose she has witnessed firsthand throughout her career. 

“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,” Cullen said. “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.”

Cullen brings more than three decades of experience across clinical care, operations, and executive leadership. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration. She is actively engaged in the healthcare community through her involvement with the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Florida Hospital Association, among other professional and civic organizations. Over time, her career has been defined by leading with heart and clarity, advancing quality patient and family experiences, as well as successfully building resilient, and mission-driven teams.  Cullen’s leadership approach is grounded in connection—connecting with people, listening with empathy, and ensuring that LifeLink teams are equipped with the tools, resources, and support they need to carry out their work with excellence.

“Kelly leads with deep purpose and authenticity,” said Stephanie Hernández, Chief Executive Officer of LifeLink Foundation. “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,” she added.

As COO, Cullen will focus on reinforcing the operational foundation that enables the LifeLink mission to thrive at a national scale, while never losing sight of the human impact behind every gift. “At the end of the day,” she said, “it’s about saving lives and making sure our teams have what they need to do that work with compassion, dignity, and excellence.” Cullen’s appointment underscores the continued commitment of LifeLink Foundation to mission-driven leadership, operational excellence, and compassionate service, ensuring that the gift of life is honored and extended to as many people as possible.