Leadership

Arlene is the supervisor of the Patient Enrollment Group at Mayo Clinic Specialty Pharmacy and has been there for the last 27 years.  In this role, she works closely with transplant and oncology patients.  Arlene has a long history of volunteering with the Mayo Transplant Picnic and the Gift of Life Annual Golf Tournament and believes that volunteering is one of the most important things an individual can give and is involved in many volunteer opportunities within the community.  Arlene lives in Byron with her husband.  She has four children and two granddaughters.  Her pastimes are spending time outdoors, playing softball, exploring flea markets and being with family.

Michael is a Portfolio Manager at US Bank.  Michael began his career in the banking and financial services industry in 2006.  Prior to joining US Bank Private Wealth Management, Mike worked as a portfoiio manager with US Bancorp Trust.  Michael servces as a member of both Gift of Life Translant House and Families First in Rochester.  He lives in Rochester and enjoys home projects, traveling and wine tasting

Dr Andrew Bentall has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2017 as a transplant nephrologist, having trained in the United Kingdom. He spent time at Mayo Clinic during his research fellowship and is interested in the effect of antibodies on transplant outcomes as well as improving long term kidney transplant outcomes. Since arriving in Rochester and working the transplant center, he was part of Gift of Life Transplant House activities and joined the board in 2019. It is a privilege to look after people affected by kidney disease, both as recipients and donors, in the Clinic and then to try to make people’s stay in Rochester not only affordable, but in a supportive environment in the Transplant Houses.

Katie is Director of Hospital Partnership & Donor Family Aftercare at LifeSource.  LifeSource facilitates the gifts of organ, eye and tissue donation and cares for donor families.  Katie came to know and love Gift of Life during her time working with the Mayo Clinic Transplant Team.  She and her husband live in the Twin Cities with their three children.  They strive to prioritize an open home, open hearts to serve people and advocate for justice and an open road for adventures that connect people, places and cultures.

Cathy is the Senior Hospital Partner Liaison for Mayo Clinic hospitals with LifeSource, the Upper Midwest Organ Procurement Organization.  Cathy also works in the Decedent Affairs office as a Specialist helping families navigate next steps after the loss of their loved one.  Cathy serves on the Health and Wellness Committee and is the resident Chaplain at Gift of Life.  Cathy has worked as an RN and minister for over 30 years.  She and her husband along with their two daughters, have called Rochester home for over 10 years.

Dr. Thomas R. Schwab is a nephrologist in Rochester, MN. at Mayo Clinic. He has over 41 years of experience in the medical field.

Lori is the Operations Administrator at the Mayo Clinic Transplant Center.  Lori’s niece Lexi received a liver transplant at 5 months and today is a 29 year old married career woman who is appreciative of the life she has.  Lori has the utmost respect for the donor family who lost their child and were able to say yes to donation at what must have been the lowest point of their lives.  Lexi is alive today because of those parents.  Lori was introduced to Gift of Life Transplant House in 2012 when she started at the Transplant Center and realized that Gift of Life is vital to the work at Mayo Clinic.  She is honored to be a board member.

Thomas Torkelson is a VP Commercial Banking Relationship Manager for Associated Bank covering the Rochester and Red Wing markets. Tom has nearly 20 years of banking experience in the Rochester area. Tom graduated from Concordia University, St. Paul with a B.A. degree in Organizational Management and Communications. Tom is a new board member and currently serves on the public relations committee. Tom’s experience as a banker and having served on other boards should help provide insight and direction for the Gift of Life. Tom is excited to serve and help people and believes strongly in the mission of Gift of Life.