Richmond, Va. – September 15, 2026 -- Donate Life America (DLA) has named Madison Walter-Garcia, MPH, CHES, as its next President & CEO, effective September 21, succeeding David Fleming after more than 30 years of leadership.
Walter-Garcia Brings Nearly a Decade of CDC Partnership Experience to DLA
Walter-Garcia spent nearly ten years at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most recently as Associate Director for Partnerships in the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases. She built partnership programs from the ground up, cultivated relationships with more than 1,000 stakeholders, and led a gift portfolio through the CDC Foundation exceeding $30 million.
She Directed Vaccine Task Force Partnerships During COVID-19 Response
During the COVID-19 response, Walter-Garcia directed partnership operations for the Vaccine Task Force, coordinating hundreds of stakeholder engagements that reached millions of people nationwide. She holds a Master of Public Health from Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, with a concentration in behavioral science and health education.
DLA Board Chair Cites Track Record of Building Stakeholder Trust
Alexandra Glazier, JD, MPH, DLA Board Chair, said Walter-Garcia's experience at the intersection of public health, policy, and partnership development makes her suited to lead DLA into its next chapter, citing her ability to translate public health goals into measurable action.
Walter-Garcia said her father is a living liver donor to her sister, a personal connection she carries into leading the organ, eye and tissue donation cause.