INvolve Names Palmisano to 2026 Role Models List

Michael Palmisano, Director of Tissue Operations at We Are Sharing Hope SC, is recognized on INvolve's 2026 Outstanding Executive Role Models list, after earlier recognition in 2024.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in People

INvolve Names Palmisano to 2026 Role Models List

INvolve has named Michael Palmisano, Director of Tissue Operations at We Are Sharing Hope SC, to its 2026 Outstanding Executive Role Models list. The list recognizes leaders who champion LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace, and Palmisano was previously recognized on it in 2024.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights efforts to make organ, eye and tissue donation more inclusive, a sector where South Carolina residents and donor-family communities are directly affected. It also underscores the role of LGBTQ+ leaders in shaping workplace and advocacy standards across the donation field.

Palmisano has been named on INvolve's Outstanding Executive Role Models list in both 2024 and 2026, based on the recognition dates provided. The available record does not specify the total number of honorees or the selection criteria.

The players

INvolve

INvolve is an organization that publishes the Outstanding Executive Role Models lists recognizing LGBTQ+ inclusion leaders in the workplace.

We Are Sharing Hope SC

We Are Sharing Hope SC is the South Carolina organ, eye and tissue donation organization where Palmisano serves as Director of Tissue Operations.

Michael Palmisano

Michael Palmisano is an openly LGBTQ+ donation leader who advocates for inclusive organ, eye and tissue donation practices.

The details

Palmisano works to make organ, eye and tissue donation more inclusive through advocacy, mentorship and education, and he mentors emerging professionals while presenting nationally and internationally. He serves on the Board of Governors and LGBTQ+ Committee of the Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation, and on the CARE Committee of the Association for the Advancement of Tissue and Biologics.

2024: Palmisano is previously recognized on the Outstanding Executive Role Models list.
2026: Palmisano is named to the 2026 Outstanding Executive Role Models list.

Industry Recognition

Recognition on the INvolve Outstanding Executive Role Models list places Palmisano among LGBTQ+ leaders the list has honored over time, with his 2024 and 2026 selections marking repeat recognition. His selection reflects a broader pattern of LGBTQ+ professionals being formally recognized for inclusion work within the organ and tissue donation field.

Residents who register as organ, eye or tissue donors may encounter donation organizations that emphasize more inclusive outreach. The recognition highlights an approach that aims to make donation more accessible to LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.

The takeaway

Organizations that build inclusive leadership and mentorship pipelines can strengthen participation in essential public-health work like organ and tissue donation. Recognition programs such as INvolve's list offer one way to spotlight leaders advancing that goal.