Englewood Resident Works 24/7 as Transplant Coordinator to Save Lives

Paula A. Gutierrez, of Englewood, Transplant Coordinator at NJ Sharing Network, recently received the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Early Careerist Award. The Early Careerist Award recognizes ACHE affiliates who have significantly contributed toward the advancement of healthcare management excellence.

Gutierrez has a sincere passion for organ and tissue donation and transplantation, which she has cultivated during her tenure with NJ Sharing Network in various roles including Donation Resource Coordinator, Transplant Coordinator and Hospital Services Manager. In her current position as Transplant Coordinator, Gutierrez’s role is to work with families of organ and tissue donors, assemble the clinical team for surgery and facilitate the allocation of these organs for transplant. Working ten to twelve 24 hour shifts each month, Gutierrez is inspired by the families she meets.

“In the wake of a traumatic event, I am able to share a positive moment with a family – that their loved one is able to give the most precious gift and save someone’s life,” said Gutierrez. “My job is extremely humbling and rewarding. I am often fortunate to continue relationships with donor families by staying connected through text, email or letters. It’s an emotional, yet gratifying position to know that I am helping families through what can be one of the most difficult times of their life.”

Gutierrez earned her Bachelor’s in Biology from New Jersey Institute of Technology in 2009 and her Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Seton Hall University in 2012.

In addition, Gutierrez is heavily involved in supporting families outside of her regular responsibilities at NJ Sharing Network and participates annually in the organization’s 5K Celebration of Life, which brings together thousands of walkers, runners and volunteers to honor those who gave the gift of organ or tissue, pay tribute to those who have received a transplant, offer hope to those currently waiting for a transplant and remember those who have died while waiting for the gift of life.

“Our Transplant Coordinators are the backbone of our organization. Each day, they live the mission of NJ Sharing Network,” said NJ Sharing Network President and CEO, Joe Roth. “Paula has excelled in her roles at NJ Sharing Network and the Early Careerist Award is well deserved. She continues to exceed expectations, inspire staff and touch the lives of countless families.”

Gutierrez, who is also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, has been active in the New Jersey Chapter since 2010 and was appointed to the Board of ACHENJ in 2016 where she currently serves as the First Member at Large. In this role, Gutierrez oversees the scholarship committee and aspires to continue ACHE’s program “Wishes Come True,” an initiative that involves ACHE members approaching child life areas of hospitals and healthcare settings and encouraging them to nominate a child who will have a wish granted.

To date, there are over 120,000 people waiting for a transplant and 22 die each day while waiting, but one organ donor can save eight lives and one tissue donor can restore health to over 75 people. In New Jersey, there are 4,000 people on the waiting list and one person dies every three days waiting.

New Jersey residents can help save lives by registering as organ and tissue donors at www.NJSharingNetwork.org, having a conversation with family and friends and joining NJ Sharing Network at its upcoming events.

About NJ Sharing Network

NJ Sharing Network saves lives through organ and tissue donation. Located in New Providence, the organization recovers organs and tissue and belongs to a national network that helps the 120,000 people waiting for a transplant. In 2016, more lives were saved than ever before. Thanks to the selflessness of New Jersey organ donors and their families who said yes to donation, 613 people are alive today. This year, the organization is celebrating 30 years of saving lives.

About American College of Healthcare Executives

The American College of Healthcare Executives is an international professional society of 30,000 healthcare executives who lead our nation’s hospitals, healthcare systems, and other healthcare organizations. ACHE is known for its prestigious credentialing and educational programs and its annual Congress on Healthcare Leadership, which draws more than 4,000 participants each year.