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OPTN board appoints transplant recipient Steve Weitzen to fill vacancy
Summary
The OPTN board voted to appoint Dr. Steven Weitzen to fill the seat left by the late Peter Nicastro after the nominating committee's recommendation; the appointment passed by a 26-1 margin. Board members said the move restores required patient representation under the final rule.
The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) board of directors voted to appoint Dr. Steven Weitzen to a director's seat vacated by the death of Peter Nicastro, the board announced during an ad hoc open session.
The nominating committee reviewed nine vetted candidates and recommended Weitzen, a heart transplant recipient who has served on the Patient Affairs Committee and as a member of the NRP work group. Shelley Hall, the vice president and nominating committee lead, told the board the committee scored Weitzen highest and that he accepted the nomination but could not attend the meeting because of Passover.
Board members asked procedural questions before the vote about access to the candidate's application materials and vetting. Jerry asked whether members had seen Weitzen's CV; the committee and staff said biographical material and the applicant's personal statement were included in the original application packet and had been shared with the board for review. Christine Allen, the board support lead, confirmed members had been sent the candidate's materials and staff had checked for conflicts of interest.
Justin, speaking for the officers, introduced the motion to ratify the nominating committee's recommendation. Alan recorded his affirmative vote in the chat before voting closed. Christine Allen reported the result as 26 in favor, 1 opposed and 0 abstentions; the chair declared the appointment passed.
The board said restoring the required patient/donor representation was the key reason for convening the ad hoc session. The board moved on to other business and later entered closed session to address matters reserved for that portion of the meeting.
Next steps include incorporation of Dr. Weitzen's appointment into board records and continuation of scheduled board business at the next full meeting.
