FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2026 ─ Our Blood Institute has named Amanda Hess as its new Chief Progress Officer, bringing nearly two decades of leadership experience in blood banking, donor recruitment, marketing and community engagement to the nation's seventh-largest independent blood center.
As Chief Progress Officer, Hess will oversee OBI's donor-facing operations, including donor recruitment, donor services, community relations, volunteer services and contact center operations, helping advance OBI's strategic priorities while strengthening donor engagement and the experience for the thousands of volunteer blood donors who support the organization's lifesaving mission.
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 roles 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 led donor recruitment and marketing strategies across more than 20 donor center locations. During her tenure, she helped drive donor growth, improve operational efficiencies, expand community engagement and implement innovative technologies to strengthen the donor experience.
A longtime volunteer blood donor and volunteer blood drive coordinator, Hess has remained active in advancing the blood banking profession through volunteer leadership, education and national advocacy. Over the past two decades, she has volunteered and facilitated presentations for healthcare organizations, community nonprofits, regional business associations and national and international industry organizations, including 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). She served 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. Hess has also presented nationally on donor recruitment, community engagement, emerging technologies and disaster preparedness, helping shape best practices across the blood banking industry.
"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."
"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."
Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old* or older can give blood. Donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. Walk-ins are also welcome.
*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required.
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