Jaime Soma
Founder and CEO
Jaime entered the healthcare industry 19 years ago, gaining extensive experience in critical care. During that time, she was introduced to the organ donation and transplant profession and was inspired to transition into this work in 2010. She traveled across the country working with multiple Organ Procurement Organizations, quickly realiz
Jaime entered the healthcare industry 19 years ago, gaining extensive experience in critical care. During that time, she was introduced to the organ donation and transplant profession and was inspired to transition into this work in 2010. She traveled across the country working with multiple Organ Procurement Organizations, quickly realizing she wanted to dedicate her life and career to this humbling and meaningful work. This passion led Jaime to establish Donor Recovery Services in 2016. Honoring organ donors and their loved ones—while partnering with those involved throughout the organ donation and transplant journey—remains an extraordinary privilege that Jaime and Donor Recovery Services are deeply grateful for.
OUR ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Hattie McWhirt
Director of Administrative Services
Hattie brings over 16 years of experience in healthcare administrative operations, with a proven track record of supporting complex, fast-paced organizations. In her role with Donor Recovery Services, she provides administrative leadership across multiple functional areas, including accounting oversight, human resources coordination, and comprehensive management of DRS and partnership data.
Hattie plays a critical role in maintaining operational efficiency, data integrity, and compliance across the organization. Her attention to detail, organizational expertise, and ability to manage cross-functional processes help ensure accurate reporting, streamlined internal operations, and reliable support for DRS partners. Through her work, Hattie helps create the administrative and data infrastructure that enables DRS to deliver consistent, high-quality service nationwide.
Erin Simons
Team Operations Manager
Erin began her career in healthcare in 1999 as a Respiratory Therapist at The University of Kansas Health System. While working alongside the local Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), and through her personal experience of her stepfather receiving a heart transplant, Erin discovered her passion for organ donation and transplantation. In 2007, she transitioned into the field as an Organ Procurement Coordinator.
Throughout her career in the organ donation industry, Erin has played a key role in improving lung management protocols and increasing lung donation rates, contributing to meaningful clinical and operational advancements. In 2021, she joined Donor Recovery Services as an Organ Recovery Coordinator and AOC, traveling nationwide to support donor recovery efforts. In her current role as Team Operations Manager, Erin oversees day-to-day team operations, supports coordinator performance, and ensures consistent, high-quality coverage for DRS partners.
Lauren Moore
Manager of Organ Imports
Lauren joined DRS in 2022 and previously supported the organization as an Import Coordinator before stepping into her current leadership role in 2024. In this position, Lauren oversees the intake, coordination, and management of imported organ offers in collaboration with OPOs and transplant programs nationwide.
Prior to joining DRS, Lauren spent 11 years working within an OPO setting, where she partnered closely with clinical and surgical teams to support donor management, organ recovery, and organ placement activities. This experience gives her a strong, end-to-end understanding of the clinical and operational coordination required throughout the donation and transplant process. With 16 years of experience in the field, Lauren brings deep institutional knowledge, practical insight, and a hands-on leadership approach to her role.
Jennifer Soma
Human Resources and Operations
Jennifer has 27 years of professional experience in both the business and non-profit sectors. She has held roles in Strategy, Business Architecture, Human Resources, Operations, and Leadership. Jennifer obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a minor in Health Studies from Iowa State University, and a Master of Science degree in Organizational Performance from Drake University. Additionally, she has been very active in animal rescue for a number of years as an animal welfare advocate, volunteer, foster, and lobbyist. Jennifer shares her home with hospice, senior, and special needs animals, and is an avid Iowa State Cyclones fan.
Sarah Hays
Marketing and Communications
Sarah is a multimedia communicator with several years of strategic communication experience in higher academia and healthcare industries. She takes an open-minded and artistic route on technical communication, with two Bachelor of Science degrees in both Journalism and Psychology from Iowa State University. Outside of the communications world, Sarah owns her own photography business and enjoys traveling with family and friends.