Our Leadership Team

FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dr. Zachary Kon has always been at the forefront of his profession. From his trailblazing efforts as the very first cardiothoracic resident at the University of Maryland, to his establishment of a thoracic transplantation program at New York University, to being the first in the United States to successfully perform thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) for the purposes of organ donation, he has a proven commitment to the solution of old problems and the creation of new opportunities. Dr. Kon brings this same vision to ProCure, building a system that recognizes the existing expertise and dedication of the many organ transplant professionals across the country, while developing new strategies for fiscal responsibility and unprecedented organ utilization. Dr. Kon earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, and he completed his post-graduate training there as well. He is board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

FOUNDER AND CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

Dr. Bartley Griffith is a tireless innovator. In a distinguished career as an internationally-renowned surgeon, educator, and researcher, there has been one constant: his drive to bring solutions once thought impossible into the realm of clinical reality. This commitment is evidenced in his pioneering work in the formative days of heart and lung transplant at the University of Pittsburgh, his development of the first ambulatory venovenous ECMO system, and his leadership culminating in the first life-supporting cardiac xenotransplant. Dr. Griffith brings this spirit of innovation to ProCure, guiding the organization from a strategic perspective as ProCure continues to explore novel clinical and systems-based enhancements to our current organ recovery paradigm. Dr. Griffith earned his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University and did his post-graduate training at the University of Pittsburgh. He is board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

CHIEF OF PROCUREMENT SERVICES

Dr. Gregory Bittle knows the value of a well-functioning team. As a thoracic transplant and adult ECMO surgeon at the University of Maryland, he demonstrated that thoughtful communication and meticulous, evidence-driven technique were fundamental to scalable quality. His colleagues appreciate the unique combination of consistency and flexibility in his practice, as well as his unwavering respect and compassion in his interactions with patients and colleagues, alike. At ProCure, Dr. Bittle is committed to developing a multi-disciplinary network of organ recovery professionals around the country, fostering a culture of shared goals and shared responsibility, increasing the availability of life-saving organs and maintaining the highest standards. Dr. Bittle earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, where he also completed his post-graduate training. He is board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

CHIEF OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Stacey Dash believes in the power of listening. Her approach to solving challenges starts with understanding foundational needs. Stacey’s background spans multiple industry verticals and she has experience working within start-ups, mid-sized organizations and Fortune 500 companies. She is recognized as a strategist and efficient operator with strong business acumen and a reputation for propelling emerging ideas forward. Her career has been focused at the intersection of changing markets and emerging solutions, where unique offerings are created and meaningful impact can be made. At ProCure, Stacey oversees the areas of business development and marketing strategy and is focused on connecting ProCure’s innovative solutions to a broad range of stakeholders within the transplant community. Stacey holds a Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts from Randolph-Macon College.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Jane Dunigan is an architect of successful business solutions and an inspiring leader of high-functioning teams. As an award-winning CIO, Jane has an impressive track record driven by a combination of technical and business skills that have helped grow and scale several successful organizations. She brings deep experience in business process strategy, transformative change management, organizational development, enterprise-level application development and analytical solutions. At ProCure, Jane leads the day-to-day business operations for the company ensuring priorities, systems and people are aligned with the strategic direction of the organization. She has comprehensive responsibilities for key business processes and teams of people that ensure ProCure delivers the highest quality solutions to all stakeholders. Jane holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Elon University.

Chief Financial officer

Christine Lorenz brings a wide range of financial operations expertise including working with start-ups and multiple Fortune 500 companies. Christine’s background has given her extensive knowledge of financial operations including financial planning and analysis, M&A, billing, accounts payable, financial reporting, accounts receivable, treasury, and internal audit. Christine’s success with streamlining and automating financial processes has resulted in achieving notable improvements in financial metrices. At ProCure, Christine leads the financial operations and systems and ensures controls and processes provide the needed level of integrity and efficiency to achieve the company’s strategic direction and mission. Christine holds a Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of Maryland and a Bachelors of Arts in Accounting from Assumption University.

CHIEF OF PERFUSION SERVICES

Ashley Merkel combines her clinical background with an intellectual curiosity to discover new ideas. Ashley is a certified clinical perfusionist. She is known to her colleagues not only for her perfusion skills, but also as a collaborative teammate and exceptional leader willing to undertake a range of responsibilities. Her background includes experience with academic institutions in high-acuity cardiothoracic surgeries and a deep experience in machine perfusion. At ProCure, Ashley leads all of the organization’s perfusion capabilities, including its people strategy and operational approach. Ashley received her Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the University of Georgia and her Masters of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion from the Medical University of South Carolina.

CHIEF OF COORDINATION SERVICES

Kelsey Young brings a donor-centric perspective to everything ProCure does. As a certified procurement transplant coordinator with a formal education in organ donation and transplant, Kelsey brings a unique skill set to ProCure. Her approach is grounded in her formative work as a recovery transplant coordinator. She focuses her work on ensuring the entire coordination team and process safeguards donor organs with utmost care and highest levels of efficiency. Kelsey leads ProCure’s team of coordinators and is also responsible for key areas of operations, logistics and supplies that deliver the best experience to the transplant community. Kelsey received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Master of Science in Biomedical Science with a concentration in Transplantation and Donation Sciences both from the University of Toledo.