Leadership
Foundation Board of Trustees
The ISHLT Foundation Board of Trustees serves on a volunteer basis as the governing body responsible for the Foundation's vision, strategic direction, and long-term success. Through thoughtful oversight and stewardship, the Trustees help ensure that the Foundation has the resources and governance necessary to fulfill its mission. Working in close alignment with ISHLT, they guide philanthropic investments that advance research, education, leadership development, and global collaboration to improve the care and outcomes of patients with advanced heart and lung disease worldwide.
James Kirklin, MD, ISHLTF (2027)
ChairKirklin Solutions
Birmingham, AL USA
Francis Pagani, MD, PhD (2029)
Vice ChairUniversity of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI USA
Raymond Benza, MD, FACC, FAHA, FACP, FCCP, ISHLTF (2028)
At Large TrusteeSentara Health and East Virginia Medical School, Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA USA
Maria Rosa Costanzo, MD (2029)
At Large TrusteeMidwest Heart Cardiovascular Institute
Wheaton, IL USA
Howard Eisen, MD, ISHLTF (2028)
At Large TrusteeThomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA USA
David McGiffin, MBBS, FRACS, DMedHS (2028)
At Large TrusteeAlfred Health
Buddina, QLD Australia
John Wallwork, FRCS, FMedSci, ISHLTF (2028)
At Large TrusteeRoyal Papworth Hospital
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Josef Stehlik, MD, MPH, ISHLTF (2027)
ISHLT Past PresidentEx Officio Trustee
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT USA
Stephan Ensminger, MD, DPhil (2027)
Secretary and TreasurerEx Officio Trustee
University of Lübeck
Lübeck, Germany
Ciara Shaver, MD, PhD, ISHLTF (2028)
At Large TrusteeEx Officio Trustee
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, TN USA
Greg Schultz, CAE
ISHLT Chief Executive OfficerISHLT Foundation Staff
ISHLT
Chicago, IL USA
Sue Bessner
ISHLT Staff LiaisonISHLT Foundation Staff
ISHLT
Chicago, IL USA
Shanita Anderson
ISHLT Staff LiaisonISHLT Foundation Staff
ISHLT Foundation
Chicago, IL USA
Global Steering Committee (2022–2024)
The establishment of the ISHLT Foundation was made possible through the vision, dedication, and generosity of an extraordinary group of volunteer leaders. Serving on the Global Steering Committee, these individuals helped guide the Foundation through its formative years, building support, engaging donors, and creating a strong foundation for future philanthropy.
Through their leadership and advocacy, they helped secure the resources needed to launch the Foundation and establish a sustainable source of support for research, education, leadership development, and innovation in advanced heart and lung disease.
The ISHLT Foundation gratefully recognizes the members of the Global Steering Committee for their lasting contributions and enduring commitment to the mission of ISHLT. Their leadership will continue to benefit patients and the global transplant community for generations to come.
