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 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.
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 | Chief Operating Officer
Christine Steiger brings extensive tissue banking and operations management experience to the leadership team. With a proven track record of driving operational excellence and growth, Christine plays a pivotal role in the company’s success. Christine has been with UTN since 2016 and has specialized experience in tissue banking. She has been instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of integrity and efficiency at United Tissue Network.
Christine has over 20 years of experience leading management teams. She is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence that drives sustainable growth and creates value for our partner organizations.
She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from California State Stanislaus and continues to stay at the forefront of industry trends and best practices to ensure United Tissue Network remains a leader in the industry.
Jim Ogan | Chief Financial Officer
Jim Ogan possesses exceptional analytical and leadership skills. He is especially talented in infrastructure optimization, helping to develop processes, systems, people, and policies to support fiscally sound growth optimizations. Jim has the ability to manage multiple projects and daily demands with expertise spanning all components of financial leadership, including planning, policy-making, internal controls, system conversions, audits, taxation, and more. Jim is a competent and respected team leader. Jim has his BS in Accounting from Arizona State University and is a Certified Global Management Accountant – AICPA.
His leadership and experience are key components in leading UTN. His experience with strategy and planning, cash flow forecasting, cost structure and containment, capital investment, corporate valuation, and professional negotiations keeps UTN at the forefront of our industry.
Sheila Kloefkorn | Chief Marketing Officer
Sheila Kloefkorn is a trusted CMO specializing in marketing strategy, messaging, digital infrastructure, execution, and analytics. Sheila brings more than 30 years of experience to the role. Sheila leads a dynamic team responsible for connecting donors with UTN to donate their bodies to science.
Sheila is the past President of the Phoenix Chapters of the Business Marketing Association and the American Marketing Association. She is a frequent national and local speaker on a wide range of marketing, diversity, and business topics.
Christina Pendleton | Director of Human Resources and Administration
Christina Pendleton serves as the Director of Human Resources and Administration at United Tissue Network. With a remarkable track record of over two decades in the healthcare industry, Christina is a highly accomplished and knowledgeable professional in her field. She holds a Bachelor of Business Management and an MBA specializing in Healthcare Administration from Walden University.
Over the course of her 10-year tenure as a senior manager, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance and delivered remarkable achievements. At United Tissue Network, Christina is responsible for all human resource activities and training administration. She provides invaluable leadership and support to the United Tissue team.
Chelsy Smith | Director of Quality and Systems
Chelsy Smith serves as the Director of Quality and Systems 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.
Veronia Ortiz | General Manager, Phoenix
Veronica Ortiz serves as the General Manager for United Tissue Network’s Phoenix site. A seasoned healthcare professional with over a decade of experience, Veronica maintains a steadfast dedication to excellence, overseeing the seamless day-to-day operations and meticulously managing every aspect from family intake to donor processing, tissue processing, and inventory management.
At the heart of her approach lies a commitment to prioritizing the family and client experience within UTN, consistently striving to provide unparalleled compassion and legendary service. Veronica excels in cultivating UTN’s culture, fostering strong relationships not only with staff but also with medical professionals, donor families, and partner organizations.
Driven by United Tissue Network’s mission to empower individuals seeking to make a difference through whole-body donation, Veronica is deeply committed to uniting them with professionals dedicated to the advancement of medical technology, training, and education. Through her leadership, Veronica ensures that UTN continues to uphold its unwavering commitment to excellence while making a profound impact in the field of healthcare.
Becky Lemonds | General Manager, St Petersburg
Becky Lemonds serves as the General Manager at our St. Petersburg, FL facility. She brings a wealth of industry expertise and has a proven track record of driving organizational success with 10 years of experience specializing in end-of-life care in the Healthcare industry. She has demonstrated exceptional teamwork and a keen understanding of what it takes to excel in UTN’s competitive landscape.
Becky is an experienced and dedicated team member with the ability to inspire her staff and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. She is passionate about delivering results and cultivating a high-performing team that consistently exceeds expectations.
Becky’s commitment to excellence, coupled with her unwavering drive to always find a way, sets her apart as a respected part of our UTN team.
Board Members
David Breedlove – Chairman
Hal Ezzell – Vice Charman
Jack Bott
Nicole Jarvis, M.D
Karen E. Vahlberg
Paul Gillum, MD