Published on March 25, 2025
ASTCT Spotlight: Meet Heather Hurley, ASTCT’s New Executive Director
by Heather Hurley
Behind the Scenes at ASTCT: A Spotlight on the People Who Keep the Show Running
ASTCT is powered by a dedicated team working behind the scenes to support members, advance the field and drive key initiatives. In this series, we highlight the people making it all happen.
This month, we spotlight Heather Hurley, ASTCT’s new executive director. With 23 plus years in healthcare and life sciences, she has led strategic initiatives in accreditation, laboratory standards and health system innovation. Passionate about team-building, organizational excellence and collaboration, she’s ready to lead ASTCT forward.
We sat down with Heather for a Q&A on her vision, leadership style and what’s ahead for ASTCT.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to ASTCT?
Before joining ASTCT, I most recently served as the executive director of the Laboratory Accreditation program for eight years at The Joint Commission. My primary responsibilities included oversight of the laboratory program, including growing our accredited organizations, development of partnerships and serving as a liaison with laboratory organizations, and providing strategy and direction for the laboratory program.
Prior to my role at The Joint Commission, I spent 14 years in the life science sector at Affymetrix, after starting my career in a molecular genetics laboratory at the Cleveland Clinic.
When the executive director role opened at ASTCT, I was drawn to the opportunity to continue to work in healthcare for a mission-driven organization committed to promoting research, education and clinical practice in the field of hematopoietic cell transplant and cellular therapy. I value the opportunity to work with passionate volunteers and in collaboration with the ASTCT board to set direction and priorities that will shape the future of the organization.
What’s your role as ASTCT’s executive director, and how do you see your work impacting the organization?
As the new executive director of ASTCT, it is my role not only to continue the great work and partnerships already in place, but to identify new opportunities for collaboration, education and advocacy to further drive the ASTCT mission.
Through the strategic planning process, we will identify our top priorities as an association, which will drive both strategic and operational activities for the next several years. Being new in my role, I have the opportunity to challenge the organization to think differently and explore creative new ways to grow and advance the mission and vision of ASTCT.
How do you see the mission of ASTCT guiding the work of the association?
ASTCT’s mission is dedicated to leading in education, clinical practice and research in hematopoietic cell transplant and cell therapy. Our mission serves as the core of what ASTCT stands for and aids in setting priorities for the organization.
As we look to grow, add new programs and collaborate with new partners, the ASTCT mission will guide the direction of those activities.
What’s one initiative or priority you’re excited to focus on in the coming year?
2025 is a strategic planning year for ASTCT, which will set the direction of society for the next three to five years. I am looking forward to working with our board and executive committee to evaluate how ASTCT continues to grow — allowing us to make meaningful contributions to the transplant, cell and gene therapy community through education, clinical practice and advocacy that supports access, innovation and reimbursement.
What’s something fun or unexpected about you that members might not know?
I love to travel and welcome the opportunity for new stamps in my passport! I’ve been to 39 U.S states and am working to check off the rest. I’ve traveled all around the world, but some of my most memorable trips have been to islands including Bora Bora, Moorea, Iceland, Carnary Islands and Ko Samui.
Any final thoughts or message for ASTCT members?
Thank you for the opportunity to lead the ASTCT team, and I look forward to working with all of you!
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