This month I accepted the position as CEO of America’s Blood Centers. It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to work with this wonderful organization. I believe ABC’s future is full of promise and I am excited about what lies ahead. I am also aware that most of you do not know me, so I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself a bit.
I have spent my professional life in the healthcare world. From practicing as a nurse anesthetist in a Level-I Trauma Center to serving as a senior healthcare executive at two major health systems and in federal government affairs strategy for a 50,000-member professional organization, I never lose sight of the fact the patient is the center of all we do.
During my 30-year history in non-profit health care organizations I have had opportunities for leadership roles in state and federal government, national hospital accreditation, health policy research, and professional organizations. I have also been intimately involved with graduate medical, nursing, and allied health educational programs. I believe this quilt of experiences provides a rich background.
Why did I join ABC? First and foremost, “It’s about life.” Helping to save lives, one donation at a time, is noble work. The mission of our community blood centers resonates with my personal values. It is easy to make the connection between the community blood center portfolio and the patient at the end of this important work. Collectively, we exist to advance the profession of blood banking to be the best in the world.
As important this organization and its members are, ABC is more than just a collection of 990s. The talented people that make up community blood centers form the backbone of our legacy of excellence. This heritage of service extends back over 50 years. I am profoundly aware of the responsibility that we all share to maintain and strengthen that foundation.
There is a lot to build on, but we do face significant challenges, as all US healthcare organizations do in the 21st century. Over the next several weeks, I intend to meet as many of you as possible to learn about what you do and how ABC can support your work. Please, be direct with me and I promise that I will actively listen and be transparent and open with you.
ABC blood centers are crucial to the hospitals and communities they serve, as well as to the security of our country. Challenges must be identified and solved, but they will not define us. Rather, in them we will see the opportunities. Together we will accomplish great things. Thank you for your ongoing and deep commitment to ABC.
Christine S. Zambricki, DNAP, CRNA, FAAN, Chief Executive Officer;Â czambricki@americasblood.org