By Lacie Blankenship
America’s Blood Centers (ABC) and Vanderbilt Executive Education are launching the groundbreaking Executive Fellows Program (EFP) to create an innovative and custom executive leadership program for the blood community. This collaboration bridges Vanderbilt’s custom leadership development and healthcare management expertise with ABC’s blood community-centered work. Read on to learn more about how ABC and Vanderbilt Business are working together to develop leaders within the blood community.
“In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, effective leadership is the cornerstone for growth and success,” said Kate Fry, CEO of America’s Blood Centers, in a press release. “Our partnership with Vanderbilt University will set a new standard for leadership development in our industry. The Executive Fellows Program will provide blood community leaders with one-of-a-kind access to internationally recognized faculty, a cohort-based program, expert facilitation, and immersive experiences to empower them in their role while strengthening the entire blood community.”
What is the ABC Executive Fellows Program?
The ABC Executive Fellows Program, offered in collaboration with Vanderbilt Business, is created to elevate blood community executives, their organizations, and the nation’s blood supply.
The program will consist of a week-long leadership residency at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, in-person learning immersions, virtual learning sessions, executive coaching, a cohort capstone project, and a 360 Degree Leadership Assessment.
Why is this partnership groundbreaking?
The ABC Executive Fellows Program is the first of its kind, an industry-specific leadership training program for blood community executives. The program aims to advance knowledge, foster innovation, and drive progress within the community. ABC recognized a gap in leadership development for executive leaders within the blood community.
“The ABC Executive Fellows Program is the outcome of 2 forward-thinking organizations coming together with growth in mind,” said Becca Yancey, Managing Director of Executive Education at Vanderbilt Business. “Vanderbilt Business is so proud to support ABC with strategic leadership development, and we’re excited to see the positive impact this program will have on the blood community and the broader healthcare community as well.”
Who can participate?
The program will accept an annual cohort of up to 25 fellows who are senior leaders from an ABC member organization or blood community industry partner—the first cohort will start in March 2025.
How to apply?
A call for applications will occur at the beginning of October 2024, with final selections for the first cohort by December. Applications will be reviewed by an independent committee, which aims to select diverse cohorts.
Where can I learn more about the program?
Visit the ABC Executive Fellows Program FAQ.
About America’s Blood Centers
Founded in 1962, America’s Blood Centers (ABC) is the national organization bringing together community-based, independent blood centers across North America. These organizations operate in more than 1,100 communities and provide close to 60 percent of the U.S. and a quarter of the Canadian blood supply. ABC member organizations serve more than 150 million people and provide blood products and services to more than 3,500 hospitals and healthcare facilities. All ABC U.S. members are 501(c)(3) organizations licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. For more information, visit www.AmericasBlood.org.
ABC provides representation and advocacy on behalf of its member blood centers, ensuring the voices of community blood centers are heard in the development of national health policy and before decision-makers in federal agencies and the U.S. Congress. ABC also provides its members with a wide variety of resources and programs, including scientific, medical, technical, quality, and regulatory expertise. Additionally, members receive access to education and networking workshops, publications, sharing of best practices, and benchmarking reports.
