25 years ago, Kirk Mizelle wasn’t actively looking for a job–but sometimes fate has a funny way of stepping in.
“I started working in healthcare about three or four years before I took this role,” said Kirk Mizelle, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at HonorBridge. “Someone told me about an opening at what was then called the Carolina Organ Procurement Agency. I didn’t know much about organ transplantation—I knew I had the heart on my license to be a donor, but I hadn’t really thought about it beyond that.”
Despite this, Kirk says he found the work they did intriguing and was eventually offered a director position by the former CEO, Lloyd Jordan.
“Back then we were called directors,” said Kirk. “We didn’t use the word ‘chief’ in any of the titles. So, my title has changed, but my job is the same.”
When Kirk joined the organization in 2000, there were just 37 employees—a far cry from today’s 250. At the time, the accounting and finance department consisted of only three people, including himself. Kirk was responsible for payroll, accounts payable and receivable, maintaining the general ledger, preparing the annual Medicare cost report, and much more. Without a dedicated human resources (HR) department, Kirk also wore his HR hat when necessary, earning a certification in human resources to deepen his knowledge and earn “a bit more credibility” with people. As the organization has grown, so has Kirk’s role: he now also oversees General Counsel, as well as the Advocacy and Marketing departments, in addition to his core responsibilities.
“I’m very proud of the advocacy work we’re doing now,” he said. “Chuck Heald, our Director of Advocacy & Marketing, leads that effort, but when I started 25 years ago, it wasn’t something we focused on as much as we do today. I think it’s been a great addition for the organization.”
Kirk’s own impact over the years has been significant. From managing the organization’s annual budget to spearheading the development of HonorBridge’s new building and donor care center in Chapel Hill, his leadership has helped shape the organization’s growth and success.
“Kirk has been a cornerstone of leadership at HonorBridge and within the organ donation community,” said HonorBridge President & CEO Danielle Bumarch. “A trusted colleague, he consistently seeks growth and improvement, placing strong emphasis on building meaningful relationships. Always committed to doing the right thing, Kirk has played a vital role in ensuring financial and overall organizational stability throughout his dedicated tenure.”
Reflecting on his 25 years in the organ donation and transplantation field, Kirk Mizelle says the work has deeply touched him, both professionally and personally.
“Over the years, I’ve met quite a few remarkable people who are incredibly supportive of our mission,” he said. “We’ve had several transplant recipients serve on our Board of Directors, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of them on our finance committee. When I first started, the board treasurer was a kidney recipient, and today our current treasurer is a liver recipient. Having that personal connection with individuals directly impacted by our work has made it all feel much more meaningful to me.”
Kirk has seen firsthand how these connections make the mission come alive—but it was his transition into fatherhood that really altered his perspective on life and loss.
“When I started, I did not have a child,” he said. “I used to see the donors who were children, and it was always sad to me, but after becoming a parent, it was much more impactful. Just thinking about what these parents had to be going through…the loss of their child, and how traumatic that must be. I couldn’t imagine having to experience that. Because of these parents’ selfless decisions, we can see the outcomes of our work—lives that have been saved and healed.”
For Kirk, the most fulfilling part of his work has evolved over time. While he still believes deeply in the importance of the mission to save and heal lives, what stands out most to him now is the people he works alongside each day. He describes the executive leadership team, particularly the chief officers, as a “tight-knit, close-working group” that supports one another and works together to find consensus.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have great mentors during my time here,” said Kirk. “I worked with our former CEO, Lloyd Jordan, for 16 or 17 years, and our current CEO, Danielle Bumarch, has also been an incredible mentor. I’ve had the opportunity to grow in different ways under each of their leadership styles—both professionally and, at times, personally.”
Kirk believes it’s essential for people to recognize the vital contributions of everyone at HonorBridge—not just those on the frontlines—because every role is crucial to making the mission possible.
“We’re like a bicycle wheel with all the spokes in it, and it takes all of us doing our jobs for the wheel to maintain the strength to hold up the bike,” said Kirk. “I hope that people know that we are a very caring, committed, and supportive organization.”
When Kirk is off the clock, you’ll often find him relaxing on the beach with a John Grisham or James Patterson novel in hand or tailgating at an ECU football game as a proud season ticket holder. A true Pirate at heart, he earned both his B.S. in Business Administration and his MBA from East Carolina University. This year, Kirk is not only celebrating 25 years with HonorBridge, but also 26 wonderful years with his wife, Debra. He’s equally proud of their 23-year-old daughter, who is currently exploring a career in healthcare.
As HonorBridge celebrates its 40th year, Kirk says he’s hopeful and excited about what’s ahead.
“It’s amazing to see how far organ transplantation has come—more organs are being used now than ever before, which means more lives are being saved.”
When it comes to donation, Kirk hopes people will take a moment to think about the good they can do.
“I think most people want to help others and leave something meaningful behind. Choosing to be a donor is one powerful way to do that.”
Stay tuned for more features from our “Get to Know Our Chief Officers” series, where we spotlight the brilliant, dedicated people who make HonorBridge what it is!
