Shelley Snyder Named a Louisville Business First Health Care Hero

Nearly 16 years ago, Shelley Snyder accepted what she once described as her dream job: leading Donate Life Kentucky Trust. It was a role shaped not just by professional ambition, but by personal experience.

From an early age, Shelley saw the impact of donation firsthand. Her father became a donor in 2001, and her mother received the gift of life through tissue donation years later. Those experiences quietly shaped her understanding of what donation means for families, and ultimately guided her career toward service, education and advocacy.

This week, Shelley was recognized as one of Louisville Business First’s 2026 Health Care Heroes, an honor that reflects her long-standing commitment to improving access, equity and support for Kentucky’s transplant and donor families.

Leading with Access and Equity

Under Shelley’s leadership, Donate Life Kentucky Trust has grown beyond education alone to become a statewide support system for families navigating the transplant journey. Programs launched and expanded during her tenure focus on meeting people where they are, medically, financially, and emotionally.

• The Transplant Patient Fund helps Kentucky transplant recipients afford housing, travel and recovery-related expenses, ensuring financial barriers do not stand in the way of lifesaving care.
• The Children’s Transplant Fund, supported by Kosair for Kids, provides families with critically needed assistance while their child waits for a transplant.
• The Donor Family Fund helps ease unexpected costs for donor families while honoring the legacy of their loved one.
• Caregiver’s Support offers peer-led support for those caring for transplant patients through our partnership with TCH Caregiver’s Heart, recognizing the emotional toll of caregiving and the need for community.

Together, these programs form a first-of-its-kind continuum of support in Kentucky, and one that recognizes transplant outcomes depend on far more than surgery alone.

Education That Builds the Future

Shelley has also expanded statewide education efforts through initiatives like the Donate Life Scholarship Program, which supports student advocates who are passionate about organ, eye and tissue donation. Each year, more than $20,000 in scholarships helps students continue their education while inspiring meaningful conversations across campuses and communities.

In addition, her leadership has helped modernize donor education and registration efforts across the Commonwealth, strengthen partnerships with hospitals and transplant centers, and elevate Donate Life Kentucky Trust as a trusted voice in organ donation education.

Shelley’s recognition as a Health Care Hero is ultimately a reflection of how she leads, with empathy, accountability and a deep respect for the families served by the mission. Her work continues to ensure that Kentuckians facing transplant or donation are supported with dignity, accurate information and equitable access to care.

We are proud to celebrate Shelley Snyder and grateful for the compassion and leadership she brings to Donate Life Kentucky Trust every day!

Congratulations, Shelley!

Health Care Heroes Profile: Shelley Snyder – Louisville Business First