Westwood, Kan. (Sept. 28, 2026) – Midwest Transplant Network is pleased to announce Melissa Ott, NP-C, as the new Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer. In this role, she is responsible for managing clinical operations and regulatory compliance for clinical areas across the organization. The promotion is due to the advancement of the former vice president and chief clinical officer to president and chief executive officer.
Ott joined Midwest Transplant Network in 2009 as an Organ Procurement Coordinator. In 2013, she was promoted to Manager, Organ Services. She became the Senior Director, Organ Procurement Services in 2016. Her new executive position reflects her leadership experience in organ procurement, donor management, organ allocation, clinical quality, strategic planning and more.
“Melissa Ott has made a meaningful and lasting impact at our organization. She is known for her clinical expertise, thoughtful leadership, collaborative approach and deep commitment to our lifesaving mission, our people and the work we are privileged to do,” said Lori Markham, RN, MSN, CCRN, CPTC, President and Chief Executive Officer.
“I’m confident that her leadership will continue to strengthen Midwest Transplant Network and advance our mission in meaningful ways.”
Ott has more than 17 years of leadership experience in organ donation and transplantation, and more than 25 years of professional experience in clinical healthcare. Her career started as a travel nurse taking care of patients after cardiac surgery.
“I’ve always been drawn to caring for people during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Nursing gave me the opportunity to combine science, compassion and service in a meaningful way,” said Ott.
“Cardiac care was especially rewarding because I could see the impact that skilled clinicians and coordinated care had on patient outcomes.”
Ott explained how she transitioned to organ donation.
“The foundation of working with cardiac patients and caregivers ultimately led me to organ donation and transplantation. I discovered a mission that combined my passion for healthcare, service and the opportunity to help save and improve lives on a broader scale.”
As she steps into the executive role, she looks forward to “the opportunity to help connect and advance the entire clinical continuum of donation and transplantation.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with frontline teams, hospital partners, transplant centers and donor families. In this role, I’ll be able to help shape strategy, strengthen collaboration across departments and support innovation that improves donation opportunities and transplant outcomes,” she continued.
“Most importantly, I’m looking forward to investing in our people and ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional service to the families, hospitals and patients who depend on us every day,” said Ott.
Working in organ, eye and tissue donation influences perspective.
“Organ donation reminds me that even in loss, there is hope. It has given me a deep appreciation for the resilience of donor families, the dedication of healthcare professionals and the incredible impact we can make when we work together in service to others,” she said.
Ott has two rescue dogs – an Australian shepherd and a schnoodle – that she enjoys walking with in local parks. She likes to bike ride on trails, cheer on the University of Missouri Tigers in all sports, travel, and explore new restaurants and places around town. Her favorite places in Kansas City are the Nelson Atkins Museum and English Landing Park.
Ott has a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in nursing from University of Missouri-Columbia. Her professional achievements include Family Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified (AANP) and Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator (CPTC), as well as co-author of several peer-reviewed publications that contributed to organ donation and donor management science. She advanced to her current role on Sept. 14.
About Midwest Transplant Network
Incorporated in 1973, Midwest Transplant Network facilitates organ, eye and tissue donation in partnership with hospitals and other professional partners. MTN serves the state of Kansas and western two-thirds of Missouri; its central office is in Westwood, Kansas, and satellite offices are in Wichita, Kansas, and Columbia and Joplin, Missouri. MTN commemorated 50 years of service in 2023.
Midwest Transplant Network had 13 organ donors in 1972. In 2025, Midwest Transplant Network recovered 1,080 organs from 371 donor heroes and recovered eyes and tissue from 1,682 donor heroes. The growth reflects the thoughtfulness of people in Kansas and western Missouri, the strong support from hospital and community partners, and a commitment to continual improvement to save more lives.