A lot has changed in the past three months. While my days of caring for a newborn have been filled with diapers, feedings, and copious amounts of coffee, my colleagues at America’s Blood Centers have been working diligently to continue to strategize and implement ways to better align ourselves with the needs of ABC member organizations. I was happy to hear that part of this strategy is to officially merge my work with the Foundation for America’s Blood Centers (FABC) with the work of the Member and External Relations department at ABC.
Previously, we were working as two separate entities, often on similar projects, which could be confusing to our members and industry partners (and frankly, often times to us). Not to mention, this placed an unnecessary burden on the already limited resources of our members and industry partners. Going forward, I will be working on a team with Abbey Nunes, ABC’s manager of Member and External Relations, and Lori Beaston, the manager of Conferences and Executive Services, both of whom help make the magic happen at ABC meetings, conferences, and workshops.
The purpose of the FABC has always been to support our member organizations and help them succeed and stay on the cutting edge of this ever-changing industry. By working as a part of the ABC team, as opposed to alongside them, we will be better positioned to understand exactly what our members value and how we can work together to provide it to them.
Of course, the FABC will still rely on the generous donations from our members and industry partners. We also plan to increase our focus on finding alternative sources of funding to provide even more grants and support to our members. The Foundation will continue to host its usual fundraising events, such as theLinks for LifeGolf Tournament, and will even add a few more new events – small and large – to give members, friends, and supporters opportunities at every level to network, learn about, and support the Foundation.
I look forward to strengthening the FABC’s partnership with ABC so that we accomplish bigger and better things for our members. Alone, each person in the ABC office plays an important role in serving our members but working together, the possibilities are endless.
Jodi Zand, Manager, Fundraising & Events; JZand@americasblood.org