UTN is a Nonprofit 501(c)(3)

Management Team

David Breedlove | President and CEO

David Breedlove serves as the President and CEO of United Tissue Network. He has earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and a Master in Business Administration from Arizona State University.

David is passionate about leading United Tissue Network into a new era of serving both medical development and the families and individuals who may experience complex feelings around the choice to donate their body. He spearheaded the UTN Way, a declaration and commitment to integrity, compassion, and service through all that UTN does. In addition to growing the vision, he spearheads operations with strategic planning and budgeting. His forward – looking initiatives include succeeding in an evolving market with long – term goals that stay true to the company’s values and aid in advancing medical innovation.

Hal

Hal Wm. Ezzell | Vice President & General Counsel

Hal Wm. Ezzell is a Vice President and General Counsel of United Tissue Network, Inc. He also serves on the Board of Directors of United Tissue Network, Inc. Previously, he served as the Managing Member of Ezzell & Wadley, PLLC. His 22-year career has included practicing law in both large firm and small firm environments, as well as serving as a Manager in a “Big 5” public accounting firm (Arthur Andersen & Co.). He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Central Oklahoma (1993) and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law (1996).  Hal is an active Member of the Oklahoma Bar Association (admitted 1997) and a former Member of the State Bar of Texas (admitted 1996, voluntarily resigned as inactive on 2000).

Areas of legal practice include a general regulatory and administrative law practice, representing business organizations in all aspects of governance and transactions and real estate with an emphasis in zoning, land use and development.

Gillium

Paul Gillum, MD| Vice President & Medical Director/Physician Advisor

Dr. Gillum serves as the Medical Director and Physician Advisor of United Tissue Network. He earned his Bachelor of Science with distinction (Microbiology) from the University of Oklahoma, and his Doctoral Degree with outstanding distinction from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, subsequently joining the faculty in the Departments of Dermatology and Pathology.

Through his 23 year medical career, Dr. Gillum has practiced Dermatology in a private setting and at the Universities of Oklahoma and Colorado, and acted as Medical Director of the Oklahoma Dermatopathology Institute. Dr. Gillum remains licensed in Oklahoma and Colorado. He continues his Dermatopathology practice and leads clinical trials as Principal Investigator / Sub-Investigator in the fields of Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Psychiatry. He is Board certified in Dermatology and Dermatopathology, and is a member of the American Medical Association, Oklahoma State Medical Association, American Society of Dermatopathology, and past president of the Oklahoma State Dermatological Society.

Christine Steiger | Director of Operations

Christine Steiger serves as the Director of Operations at United Tissue Network. A leading non-profit organization. With extensive experience in tissue banking and operations management.  She has earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) from California State Stanislaus.

Christine has over 20 years of management and administration experience. She has been with UTN since 2016. She manages the operations in the Florida and Arizona locations. She ensures the efficient day to day operations, from the family intake experience, donor processing, tissue processing and inventory management. Her specialized experience in the regulatory compliance and process optimizations has been instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of safety, integrity, and efficiency at United Tissue Network.

Christine fosters a strong company culture with staff, with medical professionals, donor families, and partner organizations. Supporting the unwavering commitment to United Tissue Network’s mission, to empower people who want to make a difference through whole-body donation by uniting them with professionals dedicated to the advancement of medical technology, training, and education.

Christina Pendleton | Director of Finance and Administration

Christina Pendleton serves as the Director of Finance and Administration at United Tissue Network. She has earned a Bachelors of Business Management and a MBA in Healthcare Administration from Walden University.

Christina has over 20 years of successful experience in the healthcare industry, and over 10 years of experience in senior management. At UTN Christina provides direct oversight to the Finance and Human Resources department.

Outside of work, Christina enjoys playing softball, singing, traveling and family time with her three boys.

Chelsy Smith | Director of Quality Services

Chelsy Smith serves as the Director of Quality Services at United Tissue Network. She has earned a Bachelors of Music in Performance from the University of New Mexico, a Masters of Science in Management from Arizona State University and a Doctorate of Business Administration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Northcentral University.

 In her current role, Chelsy coordinates the Quality Assurance program and the management of all Standard Operating Procedures. She manages all internal and external audits and oversees the licensing activities through several regulating bodies, including the American Association of Tissue Banks. In addition, Chelsy is responsible for systems development at United Tissue Network. She is focused on implementing new and leading technology to streamline efficiency and productivity in all aspects of the organization.

Jackie Smith | Director of Sales and Marketing

With over 20 years of experience in the sales and marketing arena, Jackie has honed her skills in both the art of persuasion and the science of data – driven decision – making. She received her MBA from the University of Phoenix. As the driving force behind our sales and marketing strategies, Jackie Smith brings a wealth of experience and passion for results to our team. With a proven track record of elevating brands and driving revenue growth, Jackie is the leader we rely on to propel our business forward.

At the heart of Jackie’s approach is a deep commitment to customer satisfaction. She understands that exceptional customer service and quality are only part of the equation. Jackie emphasizes building lasting relationships with clients, ensuring that their needs are not just met, but exceeded. Marketing is the soul of every business and needs to be handled with great care.

Board Members

David Breedlove – Chairman
Hal Ezzell – Vice Charman
Jack Bott
Nicole Jarvis, M.D
Karen E. Vahlberg
Paul Gillum, MD