Fort Lee Finance Professional Named Treasurer of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation Board

A Fort Lee banking and finance industry professional with more than 30 years of experience has been named treasurer of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation Board.The NJ Sharing Network Foundation is the philanthropic arm of NJ Sharing Network, the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery of organs and tissue for nearly 5,000 New Jerseyans awaiting life-saving transplants.

Philip Kolm, who chairs the Foundation’s Grant Review Committee, said he has a thorough understanding of budget management and wants to use his skills to support the Foundation’s mission.

“We want to see the funds that we raise being used effectively to save and enhance lives through organ and tissue donation,” Kolm said. He will continue serving as the Foundation’s Chairman of the Grants Review Committee, while he serves as treasurer.

“Our grants are funded by the revenue that is generated by the foundation.  The number of grants we’ve awarded over the years has been increasing, and to put those funds to work out there will be very exciting,” Kolm said.

The philanthropic dollars raised by the NJ Sharing Network Foundation provide support for donor families, research, and public education about the benefits of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Kolm cited one example at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City.

 “We previously funded a grant in a partnership with the Liberty Science Center to create an exhibition about organ and tissue transplantation. We want to make sure that visitors can make an informed decision about becoming a registered organ and tissue donor,” Kolm said.

In New Jersey, close to 5,000 people are waiting for a life-saving transplant. Nationwide, 18 people die each day waiting for an organ.

Kolm said he knows his works translates into lives saved.

“It’s an exciting time to be involved with NJ Sharing Network.  A person who receives a much-needed organ truly receives the gift of life. I am happy to use my skills to support this important mission,” Kolm said.

 Elisse Glennon, Executive Director of the NJ Sharing Network Foundation, said Kolm's financial expertise makes him a valuable asset on the board.

“We already are inspired by Phil's commitment to saving lives through organ and tissue donation,” Glennon said. “And we greatly value Phil's experience in the financial world as he takes on his new position as treasurer. He will be an important steward of our philanthropic dollars.”

To learn more about organ and tissue donation or to get involved with NJ Sharing Network call 1-800-742-7365 or visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org to register as an organ and tissue donor. 

About NJ Sharing Network

NJ Sharing Network is a non-profit, federally designated organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for New Jersey residents in need of life-saving transplants. NJ Sharing Network partners with Donate Life America, a not-for-profit national alliance that drives communities to increase their numbers of registered donors.                                                      

About NJ Sharing Network Foundation 

NJ Sharing Network Foundation is committed to supporting the work of NJ Sharing Network and to increasing the number of lives saved through education, research, donor family support and public awareness about the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.