Our Blood Institute (OBI) has appointed Amanda Hess as its new Chief Progress Officer, adding an experienced healthcare and blood banking executive to its leadership team as the organization continues to strengthen donor engagement and expand its operational strategy.
Hess joins the nation’s seventh-largest independent blood center with nearly 20 years of experience in blood banking, donor recruitment, marketing, community engagement and enterprise strategy. In her new position, she will oversee OBI’s donor-facing operations, including donor recruitment, donor services, community relations, volunteer services and contact center operations.
The appointment reflects OBI’s continued focus on advancing its strategic priorities while improving the experience of thousands of volunteer blood donors who support its mission of providing lifesaving blood products to hospitals and patients across the communities it serves.
Hess began her healthcare career in 2002 in corporate communications before transitioning into the blood banking industry in 2007. Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions overseeing donor recruitment, contact center operations, marketing and enterprise strategy.
Most recently, she served as Vice President of Donor Relations and Marketing for a four-state blood center, where she directed donor recruitment and marketing initiatives across more than 20 donor center locations. During her tenure, she helped increase donor participation, improve operational efficiencies, expand community engagement efforts and implement innovative technologies designed to enhance the donor experience.
Beyond her executive leadership roles, Hess has remained actively involved in advancing the blood banking profession through volunteer service, education and national advocacy. A longtime volunteer blood donor and volunteer blood drive coordinator, she has spent more than two decades supporting healthcare organizations, community nonprofits, regional business associations and leading industry groups.
Her volunteer work has included presentations for organizations such as the Association for Blood Donor Professionals (ADRP), America’s Blood Centers (ABC), Blood Centers of America (BCA) and the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB). Hess also served for six years on the ADRP Advisory Board of Directors, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, and represented ABC on industry task forces with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Hess has presented nationally on donor recruitment, community engagement, emerging technologies and disaster preparedness, contributing to industry best practices and professional development.
“Blood banking has been both my profession and my passion for nearly two decades,” said Hess. “What inspires me most is the incredible dedication of the people who give their time, talent and generosity to help patients they’ve never met. I’m honored to join Our Blood Institute and look forward to working with this exceptional team to continue strengthening our mission and ensuring lifesaving blood is available for the communities we serve.”
Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute, said Hess’ extensive background and collaborative leadership approach will support the organization’s continued growth and mission.
“Amanda has dedicated her career to strengthening the connection between blood donors and the patients who depend on them, said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute. “Her experience, collaborative leadership style and commitment to innovation will help OBI continue serving our communities while preparing for the future.”
The leadership appointment comes as blood centers across the United States continue prioritizing donor recruitment and retention to help maintain reliable blood supplies for hospitals and healthcare providers. Organizations are increasingly investing in community outreach, operational efficiency and donor engagement initiatives to meet ongoing patient needs.
Our Blood Institute also reaffirmed the importance of regular blood donations. According to the organization, anyone who is healthy and 16 years old or older can donate blood. Whole blood donations may be made every 56 days, while eligible platelet donors can give as often as every seven days, up to 24 times per year, helping ensure a consistent supply of lifesaving blood products for patients in need.
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