Jill Grandas

Executive Director

Jill Grandas is an organ procurement and tissue banking industry veteran with over 30 years of experience. In her role overseeing Tennessee Donor Services, Jill leads a team of selfless, hardworking employees who are committed to saving and improving lives.

In 1985, she began her nursing career in a Neurological Intensive Care Unit and became involved in several experiences where patients became organ and tissue donors. As a result of those experiences, she joined TDS in 1987 as an Organ Recovery Coordinator and has expanded her role over the years. She served in several positions within DCI Donor Services including Director of Hospital Services, Associate Director, and Executive Director for the Tennessee location. Since 2005, Jill has also been the Corporate Executive Director for DCIDS.

Jill is a Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator (CPTC) and a Registered Nurse (RN). An active member of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations, Jill currently serves on the Standards and Accreditation Committee and Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee. She has also served on both the UNOS Membership and Professional Standards Committee and has served on the Kidney/Pancreas Committee in past years. Most recently, Jill has participated in the newly formed Tissue Policy Group (TPG).

Deana Clapper

Associate Executive Director

Deana joined Tennessee Donor Services in 2002, initially as an Organ Recovery Coordinator, and was promoted into leadership as Clinical Team Leader. In 2008, tissue recovery operations were added to the organization, providing Deana the opportunity to assist in the restructuring of the quality program. As the Director of Quality, she gained knowledge and an appreciation that continues to guide her decision-making.

As Senior Director of Clinical Services, Deana directed the organ operations within TDS. Under her leadership in that role, TDS experienced a 22% growth in organ donors and 31% growth in organs transplanted. Deana was responsible for strategic planning, budget development, and guidance with the help of four managers for a team of over 40, including organ recovery, family care, and perfusion coordinators.

Deana was recently named Associate Executive Director of TDS. In that position, her oversight will expand to all areas of the TDS donor program.

Deana earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Lipscomb University and a Master’s of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University. She was introduced to the organ donation process while working as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner for the Department of Trauma Surgical Services at Vanderbilt Medical Center. She has been an active member of multiple AOPO committees and councils over the years and looks forward to continuing her involvement throughout the industry.

Lee Nolan

Director of Clinical Services

Lee and his team of clinical managers oversee a group of 45 plus employees, including organ recovery, family care, and perfusion coordinators.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Union University in Jackson, TN. Lee has been interested in the organ donation process since his first encounter with Tennessee Donor Services as a Surgical ICU nurse at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, TN. After working as a travel nurse and living in Boston for 4 years, he moved back to Tennessee and joined TDS as an Organ Recovery Coordinator. In September 2016, Lee became a clinical manager and was named the Director of Clinical Services in October 2020.

Lee is a Registered Nurse (RN) and Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator (CPTC). He was a member of the 2017 inaugural class of ‘The Art and Science of Leadership: Driving Results for Donation and Transplantation Professionals” offered through the Gift of Life Institute. Lee looks forward to his future with TDS and his future involvement with committees and councils throughout this ever-changing industry.

Emily McKinley

Director of External Affairs & Business Development

Emily is excited to lead the external affairs team at Tennessee Donor Services as they engage Tennesseans in their communities, develop strong corporate partnerships, and promote awareness and support for organ and tissue donation at local, state, and regional levels.

Emily has served in a variety of roles and in diverse industries but is most fulfilled when serving in a mission-focused and purpose-driven capacity. Among her favorite roles, Emily has had the privilege of leading the MCB Camp Pendleton Volunteer and Skills Development Program and nonprofit collective; advocating for patient- and family-centered healthcare systems, services, and reforms at Family Voices Indiana; and most recently, supporting sound conversation policy and outdoorsmanship at Tennessee Wildlife Federation.

She graduated from Butler University in Indianapolis, IN, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and has numerous published works credited to her name.