Blood Assurance names new CEO
Blood Assurance has appointed Dr. Liz Culler as its new president and chief executive officer.
Culler began her career at Blood Assurance as medical director in 2006. She was later named chief medical officer and has served in that position ever since.
During her tenure, Culler has played a pivotal role in Blood Assurance’s expansion in the region, and was instrumental in the organization’s establishment of a research and cellular therapy program, OurCEL Solutions. Culler also helped Blood Assurance become one of the first blood centers in the country to collect convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients.
“Because of blood transfusions, my mother was able to attend my school graduations and wedding. Both of my parents had cancer, and transfusions saved both of their lives,” Culler said. “In addition, research trials extended my mom’s life 19 years after a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. I am passionate about making sure area patients have access both to the transfusions they need, and to clinical trials that could change the course of their lives.”
Culler replaces J.B. Gaskins, who is retiring this summer after spending over 40 years
in the blood banking industry.
“Dr. Culler is one of the most dedicated professionals that I have ever had the opportunity to work with,” Gaskins said. “I am confident that she is more than ready to take the reins, and lead Blood Assurance to even greater heights.”
Culler has a degree in chemistry from the University of South Carolina, and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina.
She completed a residency in clinical pathology, and a fellowship in transfusion medicine at Emory University.
She lives with her husband and two young children in Chattanooga, and is a member of the Chattanooga Track Club, and the Scenic City Optimist Club. She serves on the board of Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation, where she supports the mission of providing students educational opportunities in laboratory careers.