John has spent 40 years in the Global Bio-Pharm world, starting as a bench research biochemist, then transitioned to the dark side (sales, market research, marketing) before spending over 20 years in corporate business development. John, and his partner Tim, started GTS in 2014.
MEET THE STAFF
Say Hello to Our Staff
JOHN BRUENS
Chief Executive Officer
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
John has been an organ donor since he got his first driver’s license and always felt that saying “no” to registering as a donor was indefensible.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
He had his first dog when he was 5 years old. Today, his house is overflowing with 3 big dogs and 5 rescue cats, making him an “official” animal-wrestling referee!!
Guilty Pleasure…
Chocolate, Chocolate, and more Chocolate!
TIM BRUCE
Chief Operating Officer
Well, it’s like this. I was sitting at home one evening minding my own business when I got this call from John, whom I had met several months earlier in Columbia. We had met several times over those months discussing organ transplant and its future as we saw it in South Carolina…
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So, as I said I was sitting at home minding my business when I got the call from John saying I think we should go into business together…So that’s how Global Transplant Solutions came to be and that was almost 7 years ago. For 40 years I was a Mechanical Automation Engineer building equipment for mostly large medical companies, and my partner is the Biochemist and I tell everyone it works. We at Global Transplant Solutions don’t take ourselves too seriously but we have a fierce loyalty to our customers and the people we work with. John and I both adopted the attitude from the very start that we were a company that would go the extra mile for our customers because our customers are the doctors, nurses, techs, and trained people that help people at a most terrible time, and they do it to save lives. It’s an honor for me to play even a small part where every day our solutions are used to save or give someone a new life. Our goal is to make the state of South Carolina the center for Organ Transplant.
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
To be honest I don’t remember so it’s been that long!!! My question is why wouldn’t anyone want to save a life if they could.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
I was adopted at an age when most kids aren’t, I was almost 9. I thank God every day for my adoptive family and the advantages they gave me.
Guilty Pleasure…
Pie, what a great invention!!!
BURT MATTICE
Chief Clinical Officer
- Served in the United States Air Force for nearly 18 years as a non-commissioned officer in charge of surgical research support groups
- 10+ years with Life Connection of Ohio, Dayton; 6 years as Executive Director and 4 years as VP/COO
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- 8 years with Carolina Donor Services first as Director of Operations, later as VP/COO
- 5 years with Gift of Life Michigan as COO -5+ years with Southwest Transplant Alliance as Executive VP/COO
- Honors, Awards, Publications, and Professional & Community Affiliations that are too numerous to list!
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
August 1978 Father-In Law Died and the family was approached about donation.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
I had Top Secret Clearance and treated one of our President’s pets; however, I first hung up when called about it as I thought it was a prank call.
Guilty Pleasure…
Diet Coke
ALBERT BERALDO
Chairman
Albert has 40+ years of management experience in the Pharmaceutical/ Biotech and Medical device industry. He has launched several successful companies over the last 30 years.
Albert currently sits on the board of 3 Pharmaceutical/ Medical device companies and is the Chairman of Global Transplant Solutions.
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
Albert became an organ donor when he got involved in the Organ Preservation Business. It was something that hadn’t crossed his mind before but now believes wholeheartedly.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
Albert traveled across the continent of Africa prior to going to college.
Guilty Pleasure…
His world-famous homemade French Fries
LUCAS BERALDO
VP Business Development
Lucas has over 10+ years of experience in the medical device and pharmaceutical industry. He has a proven track record of being able to manage commercial and logistical operations in the medical device industry.
Lucas previously worked in business development for Alveda Pharma and Idoman Limited which supplied sterile pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
He is not to be mistaken for his colleague and fellow Canadian “Louis “. Louis is much younger and taller.
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
Growing up in a family with an older sister who is a family physician, I decided to be an organ donor at a young age. I truly believe this is an easy decision and everyone should be a donor if possible.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
Lucas spent a summer in Kenya, Africa during his second year of college. There he had a run-in with a pair of baboons, cute yet terrifying animals.
Guilty Pleasure…
Watching the reality show Big Brother.
LOUIS CASTROGIOVONI
VP, Sales & Marketing - Canada
30+ years in sales, marketing, and business development experience with a reasonable ability to drive business expansion
A long, long time in the sterile pharmaceutical/medical device area identifying, assessing opportunities to create long-term value…clear evidence that eventually anyone can learn anything.
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
I really don’t know why I didn’t do it earlier… I think it has something to do with having to accept our own mortality… Spoiler alert…no one gets out alive…sign the form. Let’s help these transplant heroes save lives.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
Yes, I do run almost every morning…and still cannot lose an ounce of weight… Maybe I should try changing my destination – McDonalds and back is becoming a habit…
Guilty Pleasure…
Spring: Italian wine and Scottish whiskey
Summer: German beer, Italian wine, and Irish whiskey
Fall: Scottish whiskey and Italian wine
Winter: Scottish whiskey, Kentucky Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, and Canadian Club but not all in one sitting…I move around
LEANNE BURKHEAD
Executive Director
- 35+ years of experience in business/office management, property management, bookkeeping/accounting
- Commissioned South Carolina Notary Public
- 2019 Graduate of Leadership Spartanburg – Several decades of OCD behavior and overall “bossiness” (I am the oldest sibling!)
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
After my great aunt passed away when I was a young adult, I found out that she was the first in my family to be an organ donor. After reading about the “Gift of Life”, I decided to follow her example.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
I was born and raised in Tennessee near Memphis and my dad was a Rockabilly recording artist in the late 50s/early 60s.
Guilty Pleasure…
Watching back-to-back reruns of the Gilmore Girls and scrolling through Pinterest during commercials.
LARRY COCHRAN
VP of Clinical Resources
I worked for 6 years as an organ procurement coordinator and Executive Director at Life Resources, as the Executive Director of Tennessee Donor Services for 14 years, and finally for 18 years as the Associate Executive Director for LifeQuest. I served on numerous committees for AOPO and chaired its Standards and Accreditation Committee as well as its Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee and served on the UNOS OPO Committee for six years including one year as the Chair.
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
My organ donation “defining moment“ started in the 1970s when I became offended by “God Squads” in hospitals which decided who would receive dialysis vs those consigned to die. I signed a Lions Club donor card the first time I saw one in the early 1980s.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
I worked for my congressman on his US House of Representatives’ Rules Committee staff in a very small Capital office on the third floor with a small round window overlooking the Supreme Court building.
Guilty Pleasure…
My shareable guilty pleasure is eating popcorn with butter at a movie theater even if I just came directly from a filling dinner! That’s the only one I’ll share!!!
TONI LEE
VP Global Customer Relations
40 years combined experience in bookkeeping, HR, marketing, and property, office & customer service management. Blessed to have spent the last 10 years as a team member in the organ transplant supply chain. Recipient of the Presidential E award and SC Export Award during that time.
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
I’ve been a donor as long as I can remember. However, during a Floragraph ceremony seeing a Mother, while still mourning the loss of her son, find comfort in hugging some of his organ recipients, confirmed to me that organ donation truly is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
When I was a little girl, I told my Grandpa that I only wanted to be a Grandma when I grew up. He told me that I cried inconsolably when he said I had to first be a Mother. Thank goodness, it turned out I love being both!
Guilty Pleasure…
I’m an avid reader. If a book is exceedingly good and I get completely lost in it, I may spend a Saturday curled up on the sofa all day not bothering with a single thing on my “to do” list.
B.A. BRUCE
Manufacturing Director
- 12+ years in industry with a focus on customer relations and safety
- Business-related travel experience
- High level of proficiency in areas of efficiency, time management, and strategic planning
- Strong numeracy and attention to detail skills
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
While on the golf course, hearing the personal organ transplant story of a GTS customer deeply inspired me to become a donor.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
I enjoy reading and creative writing. I am constantly writing various types of compositions including short and long stories.
Guilty Pleasure…
I watch Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives every Friday night, without fail!
DAVE HUNKINS
Logistics Team
- Served 4 years in the US Coast Guard
- 12+ years in sales and customer service
- 20+ years in the Operating Room as a Surgical Technologist/Assistant where I assisted with all surgical specialties including organ preservation and transplantation
- 5+ years as a Surgical Technologist Instructor/Preceptor
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
I have been an organ donor for as long as I remember. The importance of being an organ donor “hit home” in 2000 when a good friend’s life was saved when she received a liver transplant after sudden liver failure from fulminant hepatitis.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
When I was a dental technician in the Coast Guard, I cleaned pro football Hall of Famer Otto Graham’s teeth.
Guilty Pleasure…
Good ole southern cooking!
JEFFERY BOLTON
Logistics Team
- Worked for one of the largest HVAC Companies in Ohio and they are the third largest train seller. I was a fleet manager and vendor specialist for a little over a year.
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
I was an organ donor since I was 14. My mother and sister worked in healthcare and I have been surrounded by that growing up, so when the time came to decide if I will be an organ donor it seemed like the best decision to make.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
I was born in San Bernardino, California. I lived there till the age of 5 and then lived primarily in Cincinnati.
Guilty Pleasure…
Spoiling my wife and daughter. They are my everything.
BRIAN SHORT
Warehouse Distribution Manager
- Several years of experience in the restaurant industry cultivated my ability to be adaptable and develop problem-solving skills
- Experience in the area of Information Technology: 3rd generation software developer, an internship repairing MacBooks, data entry.
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
As a teen, when obtaining a driver’s’ license, I felt compelled to become an organ donor…so I did!
Bet You Didn’t Know…
After being vegetarian for several months, I recently transitioned to a vegan lifestyle.
Guilty Pleasure…
Continually expanding my collection of hot sauces. I enjoy visiting “touristy” shops and sampling all the flavors.
CHRISTIAN GINGRICH
Logistics Team
Christian has over 10 years of experience in driving, he has worked at DHL and has also been a part of a chafer company driving limousines.
He loves traveling and has been to all 50 states and about 50 countries. He has done mission work and loves learning about and exploring historical places.
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
At the age of 15 when Christian was signing up for his driver’s license, he realized that becoming an organ donor was going to be helping others in need and he didn’t think twice about it.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
Christian lived in a small town called Walhalla, SC where he was born in his home (the nearest hospital was too far away).
Guilty Pleasure…
Loves going to concerts!
STEPHEN LAWSON
Regional Account Manager
Before GTS Stephen worked as a skill trade operator in an industrial factory. He has a love for photography and has been photographing since high school.
Stephen also loves to spend time with his wife (who he’s known since kindergarten) and their two dogs Gaia Marie a Cane Corso and Gizmo the Shih Tzu.
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
It’s been so long ago since I’ve made that decision, it was actually when I first got my driver’s license. Even at an early age, it was nice to think that maybe one day I could save a life.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
Very competitive when it comes to bowling, it’s not only a sport it’s also a way of life for me.
Guilty Pleasure…
Watching Dr. Pimple Popper
JONATHAN WONG
Director of Operations – Canada
Collectively over 10 years’ experience in administration and operations. I transitioned from the banking sector, formerly at BMO handling compliance inquiries/ responsibilities to the medical device industry where I’ve been ever since.
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
I’ve been an organ donor ever since I could remember. Since birth my cousin has gone through multiple kidney transplants and continues to seek medical attention, there was never a doubt not to be one.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
As a child, I briefly modeled for a pet supply company where I was dressed up as an astronaut holding hamsters marketing their new space-themed cages.
Guilty Pleasure…
I HAVE TO round up my gas to the nearest dollar!
MARIA PATTERSON
Inventory Control Coordinator
- Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership
- 37+ years of experience in bookkeeping, payroll, scheduling, customer relationship management, and inventory control
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
I learned at a very young age, that my oldest sister, had a disease called Cystic Fibrosis. Through the years, I was taught how to “pat” her on the back if she was having trouble breathing. As time went on, I learned that there was no cure for Cystic Fibrosis, and the only way to extend her life was for someone else to lose theirs. When I was sixteen, like most teenagers, I was excited about getting my driver’s license. While I was at the DMV, I was asked if I would like to become a donor. I didn’t have to think about it, it was an immediate yes. Unfortunately, my sister lost her life to Cystic Fibrosis in 1999 while on a lung transplant list.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
I absolutely love cutting grass and pressure washing. I know it is odd…but I find it relaxing.
Guilty Pleasure…
Watching the Young and the Restless
MEGAN McKAY
Director of Operations
Megan leads the company’s operational excellence with a passion for efficiency in serving the donation community. With seven years of OPO experience at Indiana Donor Network, Megan developed her operational and supply chain management skills in an executive support role and as Manager, Supply Chain.
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
I have been a registered donor since age 16. When asked at the DMV, I knew the only answer was yes!
Bet You Didn’t Know…
I had five minutes of fame at age 11 when I was in a commercial for a hospital system in Lafayette, Indiana.
Guilty Pleasure…
Cheesecake and Candy Crush.
JOSEPH KLUGE
Logistics Team
-
5+ years experience in being a logistics expert and warehouse lead
-
3+ years of delivery driving experience
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
The moment I determined to be a donor was when I was filling out my driver’s license information, and I decided it was for the greater good.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
I have been bodybuilding since I was 14 years old, I have competed in powerlifting and wanted to become one of the top martial artists in the world… till I got banned.
Guilty Pleasure…
A big fat rib-eye, crispy potatoes, and, white chocolate macadamia cheesecake.
ANDREW BOWEN
District Project Manager – Ohio Region
I received my Bachelor’s Degree from DeVry University in Hospitality and Business Management. I then worked in sales and customer relations for 10+ years.
I enjoy snowboarding and coaching my son’s soccer and football teams. I also love to simply spend quality time with my family and my beautiful fiancé!
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
My father has been in the organ donation industry his whole life, and he preached the importance of saving lives. I knew I would be an organ donor for life at a very young age.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
When I was 8 years old I scored the only goal at halftime at the Columbus Crew Stadium, and my picture and name flashed on the BIG screen.
Guilty Pleasure…
I enjoy watching the Marvel movies and unfortunately the Cleveland Browns with my son!
KIM McKENDRICK
Bookkeeping Coordinator
I have always enjoyed working with numbers and problem-solving so bookkeeping and accounting are what I enjoy most. I have 9+ years of experience in general accounting. I am also a graduate of Spartanburg Community College with an Associate of Applied Science, in Administrative Office Technology. I enjoy traveling and the beach is my happy place.
Fun Facts
The Determining “Moment” of Becoming an Organ Donor…
There was never a hesitation when I saw the question about organ donation on the driver’s license application. I just knew it was the right decision and the impact one little checked box could have on multiple lives. My husband, myself, and our two teenage children are all organ donors.
Bet You Didn’t Know…
That my son and daughter race dirt bikes competitively around the southeast. We spend many weekends of the year traveling to their races.
Guilty Pleasure…
Anything chocolate!
JOSHUA BERALDO
Customer Relationship Manager – GTS Canada
- Josh has 7+ years of experience in customer service, sales and operational roles in the medical device, healthcare and property management industries. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver the highest level of customer satisfaction.
- Josh previously held roles in Alveda Pharma and Idoman Limited where he focused heavily on logistical operations. He has also worked at the local healthcare level with McMaster University focusing on senior community engagement.
Fun Facts
What was the “Determining Moment” of your decision to become an organ donor?
I’ve been an organ donor since I was 16. When you go to get your drivers license you’re also asked to fill out an organ donation card and I didn’t hesitate to select all the boxes.
What is a “Bet You Didn’t Know” about yourself?
Even though I’m Canadian I’m a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan or “Cheesehead”.
What is your number one “Guilty Pleasure”?
With all the streaming services available and endless options of movies and tv shows at your fingertips, I love nothing more than settling down on a Saturday night and watching hours of Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.
RICARDO COSTABELLA
Logistics Team Member– Dallas Texas Facility
Before Ricardo worked at GTS, he worked for a hospital system in Texas where he provided education to patients in underserved communities suffering from chronic diseases. He would facilitate physical activity and nutritional programming for the patients, as well as assess their barriers and connect them to local resources that could help them better manage their conditions.
Fun Facts
What was the “Determining Moment” of your decision to become an organ donor?
When working with underserved communities, I realized that giving back is one of the most impactful things that anyone can do. For me, organ donation is an extension of that. I know that I’ll still be able to positively impact someone’s life through my donation.
What is a “Bet You Didn’t Know” about yourself?
I enjoy being creative and building things. Welding and wood working are a few of my favorite activities.
What is your number one “Guilty Pleasure”?
My guilty pleasure is food. I taught myself how to cook just so that I could eat more.
MELISSA SCHMITT
Executive Assistant
Melissa comes to GTS with a little over 20 years experience in multiple different backgrounds including marketing, workforce development, office management and manufacturing. She has her Bachelors of Applied Arts in Graphic Design from Central Michigan University.
Fun Facts
What was the “Determining Moment” of your decision to become an organ donor?
I became an organ donor as soon as I turned 16 and was asked while receiving my driver’s license. It wasn’t really a hard question to answer because just the thought of saving someone else’s life would be an honor.
What is a “Bet You Didn’t Know” about yourself?
Bet you didn’t know I married a German, so I get to be immersed in German culture and raise my 2 sons with dual citizenship.
What is your number one “Guilty Pleasure”?
My guilty pleasure is making pizza in our pizza oven for family and friends.
