Skip to main content

Minority Affairs Committee

The Minority Affairs Committee (MAC) identifies and considers aspects of organ procurement, allocation, and transplantation with the potential to impact minority and vulnerable populations in particular. In addition, the Committee provides input and recommendations regarding ongoing efforts of other OPTN Committees and the Board of Directors to ensure that issues and special needs of minority and vulnerable populations are considered and addressed.

Waiting time adjustments approved for kidney candidates affected by race-based eGFR calculations.

Programs required to submit modification forms by Jan. 3, 2024.

Learn about the Board action

Featured report

One-year eGFR waiting time modification monitoring report (PDF 4/15/2024)

chair icon Chair
  • Dr. Alejandro Diez
  • Ohio State University Medical Center
vicechair icon Vice Chair
  • Dr. Oscar K Serrano
  • Hartford Hospital
liaison icon Liaison
Members Organization Position End Term Date
Christina Baune University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview Region 7 Representative 6/30/2028  
John Bayton General Public Region 2 Region 2 Representative 6/30/2026  
Dr. Niviann M Blondet Seattle Children's Hospital Region 6 Representative 6/30/2026  
Ms. Donna R Dennis University of Kentucky Medical Center Region 11 Representative 6/30/2028  
Sandy Edwards General Public Region 4 Region 4 Representative 6/30/2027  
Dr. Obi Ekwenna University of Toledo Medical Center Region 10 Representative 6/30/2026  
Hilda E Fernandez NY Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia Univ. Medical Center Region 9 Representative 6/30/2028  
Tatia P. Jackson, PhD General Public Region 3 Region 3 Representative 6/30/2026  
Dr. Adrian C Lawrence UT Southwestern Medical Center/William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital At Large 6/30/2027  
Dr. Anthony L Panos University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Transplant Programs Region 8 Representative 6/30/2026  
Dr. Ruben E Quiros Tejeira The Nebraska Medical Center At Large 6/30/2028  
Dr. April Stempien-Otero University of Washington Medical Center At Large 6/30/2026  
Dr. Marcus A Urey University of California San Diego Medical Center Region 5 Representative 6/30/2026  
Ms. Catherine E Vascik AdventHealth Orlando At Large 6/30/2027