ARORA Celebrates Leadership Promotions

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (September 7, 2023) – ARORA, Arkansas’ largest organ and tissue recovery agency, announced promotions across their leadership and management teams. 

“We’re thrilled to announce these promotions across our team,” said Audrey Coleman, Communications Director at ARORA. “These promotions contribute to ARORA’s role in creating a positive culture for organ and tissue donation throughout Arkansas.” 

Jenny Janisko, DPN, RN, NE-BC has been named Director of Organ Recovery for ARORA. Prior to joining ARORA, Janisko was on staff at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where she most recently served as the Nursing Director of Critical Care Services. Janisko began her career in 2001 as a registered nurse, and from 2007 to 2012, she assumed the position of Nurse Manager of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Cooks Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. Janisko earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in Nursing Administration from Capella University, a Master of Science Degree in Nursing Education from Walden University, and an associate degree in nursing from the Baptist School of Nursing.

Nelson Ballard has been named Director of Tissue Recovery for ARORA. Before joining ARORA, Ballard served as Manager of Training and Development for BioTissue in Miami, FL. Ballard has previous work experience with an organ procurement organization with Lifeline of Ohio in Columbus, OH where he was supervisor of tissue and eye recovery. He also worked for several years as a paramedic in Ohio and is a certified tissue bank specialist and a certified eye bank technician. Ballard received his bachelor of science degree in public safety administration and management from Franklin University in Columbus.

Britt Davison has been named Manager of Information Technology for ARORA. He previously was employed by telecommunications company PerfectVision for 23 years as vice-president of information technology. Davison received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Matt Ellison has been promoted to Manager of Organ Recovery for ARORA. He began his career at ARORA as a Tissue Recovery Technician before accepting the position of Organ Procurement Coordinator. Ellison was later named a Hospital Clinical Coordinator at ARORA before being promoted to his current position. Ellison earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Cardio-Respiratory Care and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing, both from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. He also holds several credentials and certifications, including Registered Respiratory Therapist and Registered Nurse.

Justin Laffoon has been named Manager of Family Services for ARORA. He earned a Doctorate Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. He was previously employed by the University of Arkansas, Little Rock as a Field Liaison and Adjunct Instructor.

Amelia Nabholz has been promoted to Manager of Donation Development Liaisons for ARORA. She began her career with ARORA as a Donation Development Liaison. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Prior to joining ARORA Nabholz was a Provider Relations Representative with Arkansas Hospice, and a Physician Coordinator with the Conway Regional Health System.

Michael Scott has been promoted to Manager of Communications for ARORA. Scott is a 20-year veteran employee of ARORA and began his career with the organization as a Community Education Specialist. He was subsequently promoted to Public Education Generalist prior to his promotion to manager. Scott earned a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in Theater Speech Communications from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Tasha Flowers has been named Chief Finance Operating Officer (CFOO) for ARORA. She was hired as the nonprofit organization’s Director of Finance and served in that position for five years before being named Director of Finance and IT in 2022. Flowers holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Accounting degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  In addition to her formal degrees, she has earned several certifications, including, Certified Public Accountant; Certified Global Management Accountant; and a certification in not-for-profit accounting from the American Institute for Certified Public Accountants.