Martha Tankersley, associate vice president of the UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute, has been named a recipient of the second quarter 2026 UAB Values in Action Program (VIP) Award, one of the university’s highest employee recognitions honoring individuals who exemplify UAB’s shared values of collaboration, integrity, respect, and excellence.
Tankersley’s career at UAB has made innumerable impacts throughout her years of service. After joining the institution through the RN intern program in 1987, she advanced through a series of clinical and administrative leadership roles before being appointed associate vice president and transplant administrator for UAB Medicine’s Comprehensive Transplant Institute in 2013.
Since then, she has helped guide the growth of one of the nation’s premier transplant programs. To date, the Comprehensive Transplant Institute has performed nearly 16,200 organ transplants and currently averages more than 400 transplants annually while maintaining outcomes that rank among the nation’s best.
“Receiving this recognition is truly an honor, but it reflects the work of an extraordinary team,” Tankersley said. “I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated physicians, nurses, coordinators, administrators, and staff who share a commitment to transforming lives through transplantation. Their passion and collaboration are what make UAB’s success possible.”
Colleagues credit Tankersley with helping build the infrastructure and culture that have enabled UAB’s transplant programs to thrive while supporting innovation, growth, and exceptional patient care.
“Few individuals have shaped the trajectory of transplantation at UAB as profoundly as Martha,” said Douglas Anderson, M.D., M.S., director of pancreas transplantation in the UAB Division of Transplantation. “Her leadership, vision, and dedication have touched every aspect of our mission. She has spent her career creating opportunities for others to succeed and helping position UAB as a national leader in transplantation.”
"Martha's impact extends far beyond operational leadership," said Jacqueline Garonzik-Wang, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Transplantation. "She has been a steadfast advocate for our patients, a trusted partner to our clinical teams, and a driving force behind many of the advancements that have strengthened our transplant programs. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to bring people together have been instrumental to our success."
Tankersley was recognized alongside Kevin Jarrett, program coordinator II in the Center for Community Outreach & Development, and Chelsea Tucker, associate director of first-year programs in the Academic Success Center.
About the VIP award
The UAB Values in Action Program (VIP) award recognizes employees whose work exemplifies UAB’s We CARE values (Collaborating, Acting with integrity, Respecting all, and Excelling). Honorees are nominated by their colleagues and selected by a committee representing both the university and UAB Hospital. Each quarter, a select group of employees is recognized for their outstanding contributions to the UAB community through exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to excellence. VIP honorees are also eligible for consideration for the annual President’s Award for Excellence in Shared Values.