The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has announced the appointment of Elizabeth “Emy” Trende as its new Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel. Trende will oversee UNOS’ legal strategy, providing critical guidance to the organisation, monitoring regulatory changes, shaping compliance standards, and mitigating legal risks.
Before joining UNOS, Trende was a senior healthcare and life sciences attorney at Squire Patton Boggs, where she served hospitals, academic medical centres, integrated provider groups, and other entities in the healthcare sector. She also held significant roles at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centre and the law firm Jones Day, where she was the diversity and inclusion chairperson for the Columbus office.
UNOS CEO Maureen McBride, Ph.D., highlighted the importance of Trende’s role, stating, “As the healthcare industry evolves, having a strong, reliable chief legal officer like Emy ensures we can seize opportunities and navigate challenges effectively. Emy will play a pivotal role in shaping UNOS’ company culture and safeguarding the organisation’s integrity.”
Trende’s background includes a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and public policy from Harvard University and a juris doctor from Georgetown University Law Centre. She is a member of the state bars of Virginia and Ohio.
In addition to her professional expertise, Trende founded The Mother Ship, a nonprofit promoting caretaker wellness for parents of children with special needs. She also serves as vice chair of the Academic Medical Centres and Teaching Hospitals Practice Group within the American Health Law Association.
