Chester Springs resident Richard Hasz, the new CEO of Gift of Life, the organ procurement nonprofit based in Philadelphia, has helped to save thousands of lives since he joined the organization in 1993, writes Michael Bradley for Main Line Today. 

Hasz, who has a degree in biology and a master’s in forensic science, has helped build a network of physicians, medical professionals, and donor families and patients to coordinate lifesaving organ transplants. 

Since 1974, Gift of Life has helped coordinate more than 58,000 transplants, which is the most anywhere in the world. In addition, it has coordinated more than two million tissue donations. 

Six years after joining, Hasz became Gift of Life’s first vice president. He also moved forward to become president of the Transplant Foundation and led the Gift of Life Institute, which trains transplant professionals. 

“To help rewrite the ending for their loved ones is something that’s very powerful,” he said. “There have been a lot of long nights and difficult circumstances. But when you have a night where you feel you’ve made a difference, that motivates you.” 

Hasz succeeded Devon resident Howard Nathan as CEO in January.

Read more about Richard Hasz in Main Line Today.