Thursday, February 1, 2024–1:51 p.m.
-News Release-
Blood Assurance has appointed Dr. Liz Culler as its new President and CEO.
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,” said Culler. “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,” said Gaskins. “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 the Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation, where she supports the mission of providing students with educational opportunities in laboratory careers.
Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving more than 70 healthcare facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, and North Carolina. They are the sole provider of blood and blood products for both Atrium Health Floyd and AdventHealth Redmond in Rome. Founded in 1972 as a joint effort of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council, and the Chattanooga Jaycees, the mission of Blood Assurance is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every area patient in need.
