(NUTLEY, NJ) – David O’Hara of Nutley, Vice President of Business Intelligence and QAPI at NJ Sharing Network, has received the 2026 Breath of Fresh Air Award in recognition of his leadership in advancing the use of data to support organ and tissue donation. The award was presented at the 2026 Data Summit on the Horizon in Tempe, Arizona, which brought together professionals focused on turning data and analytics into meaningful improvements in organ donation and transplantation.
“Data gives us the opportunity to better understand where we can improve, make more informed decisions, and ultimately help save and enhance more lives,” said O’Hara. “I’m honored to receive this recognition and to work alongside colleagues who are committed to advancing organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Knowing that our work can make a difference for patients and families is what motivates me every day.”
Presented on behalf of the organ procurement organization (OPO) data community, the Breath of Fresh Air Award recognizes a visionary leader who has been instrumental in moving organ donation data forward. The honor highlights the value of collaboration and data-informed strategies in helping OPOs strengthen their operations and improve performance.
At NJ Sharing Network, the federally designated nonprofit organization responsible for the recovery of donated organs and tissue for transplantation in New Jersey, O’Hara oversees business intelligence and quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI). His work helps the organization evaluate performance, identify opportunities for improvement and use information to guide operational decisions that support its mission.
O’Hara has more than 20 years of experience in organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Since joining NJ Sharing Network in 2011, he has drawn on his background in donation operations and analytics to help advance the organization’s work. His professional experience also includes presenting at national meetings and publishing research in microbiology, immunology, and transplantation.
“David’s ability to turn complex data into meaningful insights helps strengthen our work and identify opportunities to make an even greater impact,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network. “This recognition is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his expertise, leadership and commitment to advancing organ and tissue donation.”
According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), more than 100,000 Americans – including more than 3,000 New Jerseyans – are currently waiting for an organ transplant. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, while one tissue donor can enhance the lives of more than 75 people. To learn more or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO CAPTION 1 – David O’Hara (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO CAPTION 2 – The Breath of Fresh Air Award, which recognizes one’s contributions in moving organ donation data forward (Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)