Our board

Lance Black, MD, MBID

Chair; Chief Clinical Strategy Officer, Prana Thoracic

As an engineer, physician, and innovator, Dr. Black speaks a multitude of technical languages and serves as an intermediary and catalyst in the ever-demanding path of medical device development. His experiences prior to joining Prana Thoracic include serving as a Family and Flight Medicine physician in the United States Air Force in which he deployed twice leading the rapid response team for F-22 pilots in Okinawa, Japan and serving as Chief of the Medical Staff at Manas Transit Air Base in Kyrgyzstan; Medical Affairs Manager for a MedTech development firm where he participated in the build-out and testing of over 25 medical devices with contribution on more than 30 patents; and, most recently Associate Director of Texas Medical Center’s TMC Innovation focused on building and launching novel medical device and digital health companies. 

During his tenure at TMC Innovation, Dr. Black had the opportunity to review and screen over 2000 healthcare startups for entry into the well-known accelerator, TMCx; advise over 100 medical device and digital health companies who have collectively raised more than $2.5B; and aided in the launch of 10 healthcare startups as advisor to TMC Bio design who have now raised >$30M. Dr. Black is dedicated to supporting the development of novel technologies that will bring value to patients.

M. Adriana Valencia, CRPC

Treasurer; Financial Advisor, Keystone Wealth Management, LLC

As a Financial Advisor with Keystone Wealth Management, Adriana Valencia aims to help others gain more clarity and control over their financial lives. This rewarding career aligns perfectly with her commitment to family and education. She specializes in wealth management and the design and management of financial plans for high net worth individuals and small business owners. Ms. Valencia is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, which marks her as a specialist in retirement planning rather than a general practitioner. 

Fluent in English and Spanish, Ms. Valencia was born in Mexico City and moved to the United States in 1998. She previously enjoyed a career that spanned numerous upwardly leadership positions during the 16-year tenure within a world-leading publicly traded food service producer. 

Ms. Valencia transitioned into the financial services industry in 2003. She is a board member for LifeGift, and she is also a member of the International Women’s Leadership Association. She prides herself on her integrity and her friendly and helpful personality. Ms. Valencia has been married to her husband, Tommy, for more than twenty years.

George Mallory, Jr., MD

Secretary; Emeritus Professor, Baylor College of Medicine

Dr. Mallory is a retired pediatric transplant pulmonologist who came to Texas and Texas Children’s Hospital twenty years ago to start what has become the most active such program in the world. He intends to continue activity on LifeGift’s Board after stepping down from clinical practice while continuing a part-time presence at Texas Children’s Hospital and the Baylor College of Medicine.

Academic appointments include: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, 1983-1984; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, 1984-1990; Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Assistant, then Associate Professor of Pediatrics, 1990-1999; Locum Tenems, Medical Director of Heart and Lung Transplantation, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK 2000-2001; Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, 2001-2008, Professor of Pediatrics, 2008-2021.

Dr. Mallory received his undergraduate at Harvard College, cum laude, Government major, class of 1970; medical school at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, class of 1974, graduated AOA (honors); pediatric residency and pediatric pulmonology fellowship, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Mallory serves as Medical Director, Camp Blessing, Brenham, TX 2017-2021 and as Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Houston, TX 2016 – present

Dr. Mallory is the author of 99 refereed manuscripts, 20+ chapters and reviews. He joined the LifeGift board in 2014. Dr. Mallory is the father of two and grandfather of four. In his free time, he is an avid reader and cyclist.

J. Oliver Banks III

Associate Vice President – Transplant, Memorial Hermann

J. Oliver Banks III is a growth-oriented healthcare executive with more than 20 years of experience driving operational success and revenue growth in complex medical business lines. Known for his ability to develop high-profile programs in both public and private sectors, Mr. Banks consistently has delivered results in challenging, high-risk situations. His expertise lies in fostering strategic partnerships with senior executives and physicians while implementing innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes and financial performance.

Currently serving as Associate Vice President of Transplant at Memorial Hermann, Mr. Banks has spearheaded remarkable growth initiatives, including a 113% increase in abdominal transplants from 2021 to 2023 and the expansion of the Living Donor Kidney Transplant program from 5 to 90 transplants annually. Under his leadership, the Transplant Quality Program achieved national recognition, with kidney transplant outcomes ranked the best in the nation in 2023. Additionally, he successfully has navigated regulatory challenges, securing recertifications from United Network for Organ Sharing and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in 2022.

Mr. Banks holds an MBA in Healthcare from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising from Southern Methodist University. With a track record of strategic vision and operational excellence, he continues to lead transformative initiatives that advance healthcare delivery and patient care.

Nancy C. Cychol

President/Chief of Hospital Services, Cook Children’s Medical Center

Nancy C. Cychol is President/Chief of Hospital Services of Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, one of the largest children’s hospitals in the country. After joining Cook Children’s in 1984, Ms. Cychol held several leadership positions prior to her promotion to president in 2003. Before joining Cook Children’s, she was employed by Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, IN and Children’s Medical Center of Dayton in Dayton, OH.

As president, Ms. Cychol oversees operations of the 444-bed medical center and is responsible for more than 4,600 employees across 42 specialties and subspecialties. This includes a nationally respected Magnet® designated nursing staff ranked in the top three percent of all healthcare organizations nationwide. She directs a highly skilled staff of nurses, technologists, therapists, child life specialists, chaplains, teachers, social workers, translators, and more than 760 physicians, dentists, and advanced practice providers. Under Ms. Cychol’s leadership, Cook Children’s has become the home of a designated Level II pediatric trauma center, a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit and one of the largest pediatric transport programs in the country.  

Ms. Cychol received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and a master’s degree in administration from Indiana University. She currently serves on the boards of the Cook Children’s Surgery Center/Hurst, Cook Children’s Surgery Center/Prosper, and MedStar Mobile Healthcare. Also, she is a donor mom and serves on the LifeGift board. Ms. Cychol and her husband John, who live in Colleyville, have two sons, Ryan and Nicholas. Their son John IV is deceased.

Kevin Deese

Commander, Houston Police Department

Kevin Deese is a seasoned law enforcement professional with more than 21 years of service in the Houston Police Department. Throughout his career, he has cultivated a diverse and progressive background in law enforcement and criminal justice, earning a reputation for excellence in criminal investigations and interviewing. Commander Deese’s deep understanding of the Texas Penal Code, combined with exceptional analytical and critical-thinking skills, has been instrumental in resolving complex cases. His expertise extends beyond investigative work, encompassing leadership, public speaking and a steadfast commitment to community advocacy.

Commander Deese has demonstrated exceptional management and mentorship abilities. He has consistently developed performance objectives, conducted evaluations and provided coaching to enhance officer performance and accountability. In addition to supervising routine and critical police operations, he has led internal investigations and recommended appropriate disciplinary actions. Commander Deese’s ability to foster relationships with public, private and business organizations has been central to implementing effective community-oriented policing strategies that build trust and collaboration.

Commander Deese holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Management from Sam Houston State University. His combination of field experience, leadership acumen and education underscores his unwavering commitment to serving his department and the Houston community with excellence.

Matthew Girotto

Senior Vice President, Texas Children’s Hospital

Matthew (Matt) Girotto currently holds the position of senior vice president of Texas Children’s Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, responsible for the Department of Anesthesia, Food and Nutrition, Pathology, PT/OT, Radiology and Surgery. This includes physician services organization activities, transplant, trauma, educational programs, division and departmental administration and departmental research. Girotto has held a variety of positions since joining Texas Children’s Hospital in August 2002. 

Mr. Girotto’s responsibilities include leading a senior leadership team of three executives and over 1,600 staff while partnering with Medical Chiefs and a medical staff of over 700 medical doctors and advanced practice providers.  

Mr. Girotto earned his B.B.A. in Finance and Management from Texas A&M University; his M.H.A and M.H.R. from Washington University; and his Certificate in Health Care Management from Rice University. 

Mr. Girotto’s board involvement includes LifeGift; St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School; and Nora’s Home.

In his free time, Mr. Girotto enjoys spending time with his family, coaching his kids’ sports teams, hosting friends and families, cooking, skiing, fishing, almost any sport and live music.

Sharyn Ivory

Retired Executive

Sharyn Ivory has previously served on the LifeGift Board of Directors for many years and in every office including Board Chair. She recently vacated her board position, taking the required time off prescribed by the Bylaws and is honored to serve on the board again. Ms. Ivory is a retired executive from Covenant Health in Lubbock, TX and owned a consulting firm for many years. These careers provide her with the experience to be a productive partner with LifeGift in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility for oversight of a non-profit. Ms. Ivory has a heart for transplant and is honored to serve, yet again, being an active member of our board.

Jenifer Jarriel, MBA

President and CEO, DePelchin Children’s Center

Jenifer Jarriel was raised as one of seven sisters who learned early the values of working hard to achieve goals, helping others and giving back. She truly believes in making the world a better place and her role as President and CEO of DePelchin Children’s Center presents that opportunity to her every day. A nonprofit organization, DePelchin Children’s Center is an accredited foster care and adoption agency. DePelchin’s approach to caring for children integrates prevention, foster care, adoption services and residential care programs. 

Prior to Ms. Jarriel’s position at DePelchin Children’s Center, she served in senior information technology leadership positions in Academic Medical Centers within the Texas Medical Center. Jarriel has held numerous board leadership positions in professional organizations, and she holds an undergraduate degree from University of Houston Central Campus and an MBA from Houston Baptist University.

Ms. Jarriel devotes her time and talent to other organizations in Houston as board member of The Periwinkle Foundation and LifeGift. In addition, she serves on the board for the Texas Alliance for Children and Families, representing DePelchin and serving as a voice for Texas’ most vulnerable children and families.

Chase L. Lesane-Brown, PhD

Director of Experiential Learning for the School of Social Sciences Rice University

Dr. Lesane-Brown is a lecturer in the Psychological Sciences department and the Director of Experiential Learning for the School of Social Sciences at Rice University. She is also Affiliated Faculty in the Center for African and African American Studies. Dr. Lesane-Brown earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside; her M.S. in Counseling Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino; and her Ph.D. in Personality Psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 

Lesane-Brown teaches core courses in the Psychological Sciences department, such as Health Psychology, Multicultural Psychology, and Research Methods, with a strong focus on service- and active-learning teaching strategies. She serves as a faculty representative on the Committee for Undergraduate Curriculum, and in the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry. Dr. Lesane-Brown also serves on the Social Policy Analysis Major Advisory Board. 

Dr. Lesane-Brown’s research focuses on two areas: the process, content, and consequences of race socialization among black children and adolescents; and the process of parent-child communication about health, coping mechanisms used by children with a chronic illness, and health care access among young adults diagnosed with sickle cell disease during their transition from pediatric to adult health care.

Stuart Levin, JD

Partner, Levin & Atwood, LLP

Stuart “Stu” Levin is admitted to practice law in the states of Texas and Connecticut and before various federal courts. He is a 1971 graduate of Syracuse University (A.B. with honors and magna cum laude) and received his juris doctor’s degree from the University of Connecticut (1974, with honors and law review associate editor). Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Levin served on active duty as a U.S. Air Force Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, where he was responsible for military and civilian prosecutions.

After being honorably discharged from the Air Force (with an Air Force Commendation Medal), Mr. Levin was employed as an in-house attorney by the Panhandle Eastern Corporation (now a part of Duke Energy). He later served Mitchell Energy (now a part of Devon Energy) as Manager of Regulatory Affairs- Gas, and later worked for the Coastal Corporation (now part of El Paso Energy) as a senior staff attorney. Mr. Levin established the firm that evolved into Levin and Atwood in 1989.

Mr. Levin is married to Carol Reiss Levin and they have two sons, Jason and Todd, three grandchildren, Hayley, Addison and Parker. He is also active in numerous community and professional organizations, including Katy Bar Association (Charter President), the Westside Shrine Club (Secretary), Katy Rotary Club, the Breath of Life Children’s Center, the Katy YMCA (former director), Board of Directors-Houston Methodist West, and the Epilepsy Foundation of South Texas/Gulf Coast (former President). Mr. Levin’s areas of practice concentration include merger and acquisition, real estate, business and commercial law, corporate law, wills, trusts and estates.

Roberta Levy Schwartz, PhD, FACHE

Executive VP & Chief Innovation Officer Houston Methodist Hospital

Roberta L. Schwartz is the executive vice president and chief innovation officer of Houston Methodist Hospital, one of the Texas Medical Center’s founding institutions. She is responsible for overseeing all operations at the 952-bed hospital, which has been named by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas for nine straight years and has also been named to the publication’s prestigious “Honor Roll” of America’s best 20 hospitals four times. In her role as chief innovation officer, Dr. Schwartz is responsible for advancing and expanding Houston Methodist’s digital innovation platforms, including telemedicine, artificial intelligence and big data. 

Prior to joining Houston Methodist, Dr. Schwartz worked as director of business development for Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, as a consultant and project manager to several academic medical centers for APM/Computer Sciences Corporation, and for CMS (HCFA).  

Dr. Schwartz earned a master’s in health science from Johns Hopkins University and an honors undergraduate degree from Barnard College at Columbia University. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Texas School of Public Health. Dr. Schwartz has been recognized nationally for her professional and non-profit work. She was most recently recognized by Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Women Leaders as one of its 10 Women to Watch. Dr. Schwartz is also involved with LifeGift, Robert M. Beren Academy and the UOS Synagogue, Young Survival Coalition and many breast cancer organizations.

Kristyn Sorensen, JD, PhD

Associate Vice President for Research Integrity, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Dr. Sorensen currently serves as the Associate Vice President for Research Integrity at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Prior to this role Dr. Sorensen served in the Office of General Counsel for the university and practiced law with the private firm of Crenshaw, Dupree & Milam. Prior to law school, she obtained her Master’s in Pharmacology (specializing in cardiothoracic perfusion) and her PhD in Toxicology. During this time, she also worked at the University of Arizona’s Sarver Heart Center and Duke University in the areas of cardiothoracic perfusion and organ donation and procurement. It was in these roles that she became dedicated to the cause of organ donation, including volunteering, research and educational outreach programs. Dr. Sorensen currently lives in Midland, Texas with her family: her husband, Dr. Grant Sorensen, MD, PhD and their three children. Dr. Sorensen is humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Board of LifeGift.