Chuck Zollinger
Executive Director, Foundation
Chief Operating Officer, DonorConnect
Chuck serves as Chief Operating Officer of DonorConnect and Executive Director of the DonorConnect Foundation. In these roles, he provides executive leadership across philanthropic strategy, tissue donation and recovery, events and volunteer services, facilities, public relations and education, and administrative operations—advancing DonorConnect’s mission to save and heal lives through organ, tissue, and eye donation.
With more than 32 years of experience in organ and tissue donation, Chuck has served DonorConnect since 1994 in a variety of clinical, operational, and executive leadership roles. He is a board-certified Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a licensed Registered Nurse, and holds a Master of Health Administration from The George Washington University. A U.S. Army veteran, Chuck served with the Utah Army National Guard during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, where he provided leadership in medical logistics and operational readiness. Chuck is deeply grateful for the support of his wife, Jill, of 40 years, their six children and those they love, nine grandchildren, and their two rambunctious Old English Sheepdogs.
Franny Johnson
Development Director, Foundation
As Development Director for the DonorConnect Foundation, she leads fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and partnership development in support of organ, tissue, and eye donation. She is focused on building sustainable philanthropic infrastructure that advances education, outreach and long-term community impact. Franny brings five years of experience in aftercare and donor family services at DonorConnect. Walking alongside donor families through grief profoundly shaped her professional path and leadership style. That experience instilled in her a deep respect for the generosity of donors and a commitment to ensuring that every philanthropic effort honors the people at the heart of the mission. Her background gives her a unique perspective in development; one rooted in empathy, integrity, and meaningful relationship-building. In her current role, Franny is helping develop and strengthen the Foundation’s core infrastructure, establishing systems, growing community partnerships, and positioning the organization for long-term sustainability. She is passionate about building something designed to last, creating a culture of philanthropy that reflects trust, transparency, and purpose.
Outside of her professional work, Franny’s greatest joy is her family. She and her husband are raising two daughters who inspire and terrify her daily. She’s also the proud dog mom of two rescue pups, including a spirited, one-eyed sidekick who keeps life adventurous. She feels most at home in the outdoors, especially in the mountains, and has a deep appreciation for art and books. At work and in life, she values connection, resilience, and leading with heart.
