AABB Consulting Services has more than 50 years of history and experience - and we bring this expertise to every client with whom we work. The AABB Consulting Services team and the consultants we contract with are experts in the blood and biotherapies field. Each AABB expert brings a unique set of experience and skills, and we are fortunate to be able to attract these high-quality individuals through our vast AABB network. We have been growing significantly and continue to add to our team to better address our clients' needs.
Smith has served as both a volunteer and staff lead assessor for AABB for more than 14 years both domestically and internationally.
Liz Smith has more than 25 years of experience in the fields of transfusion medicine, donor center, cellular therapies and quality management systems.
A graduate of Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Smith is a Certified Quality Auditor (American Society for Quality) and holds Medical Technologist and Blood Bank Specialist certifications with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.
Smith participates in AABB’s Cellular Therapy Accreditation Committee, as well as the Asia Pacific, Cord Blood and Cellular Therapy Quality and Regulatory Subsections. She is also currently serving on the Board of the Delaware Section of the American Society for Quality and remains an active member of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and the American Society for Quality.
He was until recently Vice President of Operations for one of the largest blood and plasma testing laboratories in the US, which provides testing for blood centers and major drug therapeutic manufacturers. Most recently, he opened Community Labs, San Antonio, a non-profit laboratory which provides free and low-cost PCR based COVID testing for asymptomatic people in and around San Antonio, Texas.
Jack has more than 30 years’ experience in transfusion medicine and infectious disease testing.
Jack A. Hager MS, MT, (ASCP, SBB) is a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Blood Bank who has worked in hospitals, blood centers and testing laboratories his entire career. Jack was a 2017 recipient of the ASCP Member Excellence in Management Award. This award is given to an individual who demonstrates effective leadership skills and management strategies, and whose contributions to laboratory quality improvement have inspired their colleagues. He is also currently a member of The George Washington University School of Business Customer Experience Program Advisory Council.
He retired from the US Air Force Biomedical Corps as a Lt Colonel, and subsequently was Laboratory Director and CEO of the American Red Cross National Testing Laboratory in Portland, Oregon.
She was the Manager of the Transfusion Medicine Service at Boston Children's Hospital for 29 years prior to retiring in 2021.
Maureen Beaton, MS, MT(ASCP)BB, CQA(ASQ) has over 30 years of experience in leading the administrative, technical, quality and regulatory compliance activities of transfusion services and blood donor centers as well as extensive experience in the implementation of Blood Establishment Computer Systems.
Maureen received a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern University and a Master's Degree from Emmanuel College. She is certified as a Quality Auditor by the American Society for Quality.
She has been a volunteer AABB assessor for over 20 years and has participated on a number of AABB Committees including the BB/TS Standards Committee and the BB/TS Accreditation Committee. She is currently participating in the PEP Mentoring program as a mentor.
Lok has over 20 years of transfusion medicine management experience in directing the administration, technical and operational activities at blood donor centers, hospital-based blood donor centers and transfusion services.
His areas of expertise include transfusion services and blood center operations and quality management; system implementation, standardization, continuous process improvement, and optimization; regulatory compliance and accreditation; blood bank information system implementation.
Lok Tse is certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Blood Banking. He is certified by the International Six Sigma Institute as a Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt. He is certified by the International Organization for Project Management as an Accredited Project Manager. Lok received his Bachelor of Science (Summa Cum Laude) in Clinical Laboratory Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He earned a Master of Science with honors in Transfusion Medicine from the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine and completed his SBB training at the Hoxworth Blood Center. He received the AABB-Fenwal SBB Scholarship Award for scientific research excellence. He holds a Master of Business Administration with honors from North Park University in Chicago, IL.
Lok is a former AABB Assessor and current CAP Inspector. He is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB), is active in the AABB Patient Blood Management Sub-Section, and ASCP. Lok is a Soft Network User Group (SNUG) Executive Board member.
He has led hundreds of personnel while serving in various laboratory, donor center, and transfusion services capacities in both the United States Navy and United States Air Force healthcare communities.
Retired Air Force Major Edward Griffin has over 25 years of healthcare experience that includes comprehensive leadership, managerial, administrative, financial, staffing, quality/regulatory, and clinical oversight.
He holds numerous industry and professional certifications, has drawn blood on Navy ships during enormous waves on high seas, rappelled out of helicopters during mass casualty drills, led wartime blood operations as the Director of Middle East Blood Program (JTBP) and lived in Japan for ten years.
He has a rare ability to bring business skills and communication techniques to the healthcare field to benefit the patient. He currently is the Director of Transfusion Medicine at a world famous level one trauma Medical Center in Los Angeles California.
He retired from the US Army Medical Service Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel and subsequently was President/CEO of Shepeard Community Blood Center in Augusta, Georgia.
Kevin J. Belanger has more than 35 years’ experience in combat casualty care, combat development, donor center operations and transfusion medicine.
He received his Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina, Specialist in Applied Biology (Immunohematology) and a Master of Science in Biology from Bowling Green University, Master of Arts in Management from Webster University and two Bachelors from Auburn University in Laboratory Technology and Medical Technology. He is a certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt and Specialist in Blood Banking and Medical Technology.
Kevin has served in many positions within the blood industries professional organizations: Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) Policy Council member, Blood Centers of America (BCA) Executive Committee member and BCA Chair of Standardization Committee, American Association of Blood Banks (ABC) Board of Directors member and ABC Policy Council member, National Blood Testing Cooperative Board member, Alliance for Community Transfusion Services Board member, Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation (CTF) Board of Directors member and Chair of CTF Grants Committee.
Bill Ward has 25 years of experience in the Cell Therapy field as a Cell Processing Lab manager at 3 academic health centers (including as cord blood bank director and milk bank director), and most recently as a CAR-T operations manager.
Bill's areas of expertise include the technical aspects of cell processing, controlled-rate freezing, liquid nitrogen storage freezers and vapor shippers; cell processing operations, improvement and quality management; Good Tissue Practice, Good Manufacturing Practice and accreditation compliance. He is known as an effective teacher/trainer by his clients, peers and students.
A graduate of University of Nebraska Medical Center with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology, Ward has earned the Diplomate in Laboratory Management (American Society of Clinical Pathologists) and Lean Six-Sigma Green Belt certifications (Johnson County Community College).
Bill is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) and the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT) and has served on committees with both organizations. He is currently a member of the National Marrow Donor Program’s (NMDB) Cord Blood Advisory Group. His experience includes 8 years as an AABB Cell Therapy assessor and 14 years as an inspector for the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).
James Rogers has 20 years of experience in the biotechnology field in Cell Therapy and Vaccine Development. James’ current role is the Supervisor of the Fannie Angelos Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
This experience includes cellular therapeutics for HIV, Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer and Regenerative Medicine/Stem Cell Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
A graduate of Morehouse College with a Bachelor’s in Biology and Case Western Reserve University with a Master’s in Medical Physiology, James has worked to support pre-IND development through Phase II clinical trials.
James is a member of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT), International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT) and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
He provides the necessary roadmaps for different organizations such as Blood Centers and companies that serve the transfusion industry to provide solutions that benefit the needs of the market.
Yariv has over 20 years of experience in different functions throughout his career such as Product Management, Marketing Management, Sales Management, Strategic Planning Committees, General Corporate and Operational Management, Manufacturing and Importing of medical devices and drugs, FDA processes and submissions to include FDA meetings, clinical studies, 510(k) and NDA submission management through to clearance and product launch, sales and support as well as having consulted for companies in the fields of RFID, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Medical Equipment Manufacturing etc.
Yariv served in the Israeli Defense Forces for 3 years and then studied Business and Marketing at the College of Management in Rishon Le Zion in Israel, and has held several positions in international and local companies throughout his career. He is a member of the AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies).
Mary Ann O'Brien Sromoski, RN, MSN, CCRN, CNE, is the Program Manager for the Patient Blood Management Program and Center for Bloodless Medicine at Geisinger in Northeast and Central Pennsylvania. MaryAnn and her team have created a comprehensive Patient Blood Management (PBM) program that includes an anemia consultative service, a Transfusion Safety Officer; a real-time, 24/7 prospective component review process; and a robust, systemwide PBM committee.
Her background includes twenty years' experience in Critical Care, Trauma, Transplant, and Obstetrics.
Mary Ann received her Master's degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA.
Mary Ann serves on the AABB PBM Standards Committee, is active in the AABB PBM Sub-Section, and has served as an AABB PEP mentor to help others develop their programs. In addition, Mary Ann is an active member of the Society of Patient Blood Management (SABM). She is involved in several SABM committees, including Chair of the Resource Development Workgroup, and acts as a mentor to SABM members developing their PBM programs.
Ms. Royster served as the Quality Assurance Manager for the Armed Services Blood Program within the Defense Health Agency, overseeing critical operations supporting 56 Transfusion Service Activities, 20 Blood Donor Centers, and 2 Blood Shipment Centers over a tenure spanning four years until her retirement in 2023. In this role, she functioned as a key liaison to regulatory bodies including the FDA, AABB, and the Defense Health Agency's Clinical Laboratory Medicine Science office, providing expert guidance on Clinical Laboratory and Blood Services Quality Assurance as well as Policy Issues.
Ms. Royster brings over three decades of expertise in spearheading comprehensive administrative, technical, quality assurance, regulatory, and accreditation compliance initiatives within the realm of transfusion services, blood donor centers, and clinical laboratories. Her wealth of experience extends to the seamless implementation of Blood Establishment Computer Systems, further enhancing operational efficiency and regulatory compliance across diverse healthcare settings.
Ms. Royster earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. She holds certifications as a Quality Auditor from the American Society of Quality and as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and proficiency within her field.
Throughout her illustrious 35-year career, Ms. Royster has held a diverse range of roles showcasing her expertise and dedication. She notably served as the Deputy Quality Assurance Manager for the Army Blood Program, providing invaluable support to 10 Blood Donor Centers and 20 Transfusion Services. Additionally, she assumed the roles of Quality Assurance Manager and Blood Donor Center Supervisor at Womack Army Medical Center, now Fort Liberty, in North Carolina. Ms. Royster's commitment to excellence extends beyond her professional endeavors, as she has dedicated over two decades to volunteering as an AABB assessor and actively participating in the AABB BB/TS Accreditation Committee, furthering the standards of excellence within the field.
Jennifer Chain is an academically-trained PhD scientist with 26 years of experience in laboratory bench work, T cell immunology, molecular and cellular biology, autoimmunity, method and product development, cell therapy, and cellular starting materials. Dr Chain has served as an R&D scientist to develop new diagnostic testing platforms, Director of R&D to standardize cellular staring materials collected inside blood centers and to develop new blood products to support cell therapy manufacturing and, and as a consultant in R&D and cell therapy specialties. She earned her CABP board certification from AABB in 2022. Her focus now as a consultant is on cellular starting material for allogeneic cell therapy manufacturing - helping collection centers start or grow their programs and cell therapy companies understand the importance of quality donors and starting material to the success of their therapies.
Immunology
Cell and Molecular Biology
Autoimmunity
New method development
New product development
Cell therapies/Biotherapies
Cellular starting materials
2000-2005 PhD in Immunology from University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (Oklahoma City, OK) with a focus in human T cell developmental checkpoints; awarded fellowship grant and outstanding graduate student awards
2006-2011 Postdoctoral Fellowship at National Jewish Health (Denver, CO) with a focus in gamma/delta T cell activation and function; awarded postdoctoral fellowship grant
2011-2013 Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus (Aurora, CO) with a focus on human memory T cell activation and senescence in lung disorders; awarded student loan repayment grant
2014-2016 R&D Scientist at biotech start-up company (Oklahoma City, OK) focused on developing new diagnostic testing platforms for autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders in children; awarded $300,000 development grant for R&D work
2016-2021 R&D consultant (Oklahoma City, OK) focused on assisting scientists, physicians, and biotech entrepreneurs to advance their scientific goals.
2017-2024 Director of Research and Development at the Oklahoma Blood Institute (Oklahoma City, OK) focused on developing a cellular starting material collection program and standardizing starting material to optimize for entry into allogeneic cell therapy manufacturing processes. Also developed 4 new blood products as ancillary materials to support cell therapy manufacturing; awarded multiple grants for instrumentation and product development, served as PI for 3 cellular starting material collection protocols, earned Certified Advanced Biotherapies Professional board certification from AABB in 2022.
2024-present Consultant in the cell therapy industry focused on cell therapy manufacturing and cellular starting material program growth and product standardization.
Dr. Joseph Connor is an Associate Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health where he serves as the medical director for Transfusion Services. He also serves as medical director of laboratory services at UW Health’s East Madison Hospital and East Park Medical Center.
In his role in Transfusion Medicine, Dr. Connor is active in numerous quality improvement projects to enhance the appropriate use of transfusion for both improved patient care and responsible cost containment. In this role Dr. Connor is specifically working to improve blood management strategies in the areas of solid tumor oncology and solid organ surgical transplantation.
Dr. Connor is an active member of the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies and has participated in the organization’s committee on blood management education.
Chris holds a Master of Science degree from Creighton University. Currently serving as the Deputy Director for the Parker County Hospital District’s EMS Division, Chris oversees the operation of their prehospital transfusion program and moderate complexity lab. He provides expert guidance on EMS operations, organizational efficiency, and quality improvement.
Christine has many years of experience as an assessor and a CAP inspector. Bales has more than 30 years of management experience in laboratory medicine, blood donor centers and hospital-based transfusion services.
Bales’s expertise includes designing implementation models to be used as roadmaps to blood donor centers and transfusion services facility accreditations.
Bales holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Purdue University, a Certificate in Organizational Leadership from Harvard University, and certifications in Medical Laboratory Science and Immunology from ASCP. In 2022, Bales was awarded an Individual Excellence Award for 2022 from the Asian Association of Transfusion Medicine (AATM); this award is bestowed to individuals and institutions who have “contributed to the cause of transfusion medicine at a trans-national level, especially for Asian countries.” Bales was recognized for “continually working for all around development of transfusion services across many countries.
During Bales’s years as CEO and senior management, she led organizations through strategic planning activities, process improvement activities and facility accreditation processes.
Diane de Coning began her career in blood banking in 1972 as a trainee medical technologist at the Eastern Province Blood Transfusion Service in South Africa. She later went on to qualify in both Blood Transfusion Technology and Haematology disciplines of Medical Technology.
Until 2005, she worked at Blood Transfusion Services throughout South Africa, including holding a directorship at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS). In 2005, de Coning became an international consultant, specializing in blood donor management and quality management systems, and has worked as a consultant in Asia, Africa, Europe and South America for the World Health Organization, the International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies (IFRCRCS), the European Union and the Swiss Red Cross.
De Coning completed her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of South Africa, majoring in Microbiology.
In 2008, she joined Safe Blood for Africa, conducting training in blood donor management and other technical assistance activities, working with 35 countries in Africa. De Coning joined AABB in 2012 and is currently the Project Director for Africa, conducting technical assistance activities in numerous African countries.
Asa is a validated global expert for Clinical and Medical affairs; for Gene and Cell Therapies, and for Clinical Trials in the field of Regenerative Medicine. She has 20+ years of Leadership experience as Medical Director, PI and Vice-President in USA, UAE, India and Australia managing and supervising; Complex Diagnostic Labs, Facilities- Biobanks, Cord Blood Banks, Regenerative Medicine, Gene and Cellular Therapies, and Projects for Biotech Companies towards success.
Asawari (Asa) is a Medicine Doctor (MBBS, DPB), and specializes in Biotherapies (Cell and Gene Therapies), in International Quality Management Systems, with focus on Regulatory Affairs, and Compliance through Gap Audits, for Accreditations and Certifications such as AABB, AATB, FACT, JCI, CAP, ISO, US FDA, DCGI, and other global regulations, such as, in the Middle East, and in Asia Pacific.
She has medical post-graduation in Clinical pathology, (Transfusion services, Transplants, Lab Medicine and Immunology) and a post-graduation in Hospital and Healthcare Management. She is an Ex-chair, instrumental in laying down Cord Blood banking and Stem Cell Banking regulations in India associated with DCGI, ICMR India. Asa is an Author, Speaker, Moderator, Subject Matter Expert at international conferences, and workshops, with many International Publications as a Subject Matter Expert. Asa is an elected member of CTSCC (Cell Therapy Subsection Coordinating Committee) at AABB representing the global experts for Cell and Gene Therapy since 2020, and an International Ambassador of AABB since 2015. She has been an advisor to the PGCB (Parents Guide to Cord Blood), and AATM (Asian Association of Transfusion Medicine). Asa has been certified and credentialed in the first batch of Certified Advanced Biotherapies Professional (CABP) (H) in 2022 from AABB. She has been a faculty at AABB to develop the educational syllabus for CABP, and for conducting the credentialing examination. Asa is the AABB President’s Award Recipient for Biotherapies 2022, in recognition of her many contributions helping to advance AABB’s work in biotherapies, including service on AABB’s Cellular Therapy Section Coordinating Committee, leadership on the Cord Blood and Asia Pacific Group subsections, Quality and Regulatory Management subsection, Regulatory Affairs subsection, Chairperson for International variance, and outreach as an AABB international ambassador. Asa is now a Medical Consultant to many Biotech, Pharmaceutical Companies and Regenerative Medicine Facilities and Globally.
She has authored blood banking publications as well as Brazilian Minister of Healthy Guidelines for Transfusion Medicine. She has served as a consultant to the Brazilian Ministry of Hemotherapy and as editor for Transfusion Medicine Journal. Dr. Cunha has been invited as a speaker and chairperson by HEMO Congress (Brazilian Congress of Hematology) for many years. It is considered the fourth most important Congress of Hematology in the world. She had been member of the Consortium for Blood Group Genes (a worldwide organization whose goal is to establish guidelines for DNA and RNA testing) founded by Marion Reid from New York Blood Center (NYBC).
She has vast expertise in Immunohematology, Molecular Biology, Infectious Disease Detection, Blood Collection and Hemostasis.
Dr. Ana Paula Cunha received her bachelor’s in medicine from Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Minas Gerais, Brazil. She completed a residence in Hematology and Hemotherapy through University of State of São Paulo (UNESP) and a Specialization in Blood Banking by Ribeirão Preto Blood Center. Dr. Cunha is certificated by Brazilian Society of Hematology, Hemotherapy and Cell Therapy (ABHH) as well as by the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratorial Medicine (SBPC/ML). She received a master’s degree and PhD in Hematology and a master’s in Business Administration from University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil. Dr. Cunha also has a certification in Clinical Research from the University of Chicago.
From 1998 – 2012, Dr. Cunha has worked in the blood bank field as a medical practitioner, researcher, teacher and laboratory coordinator at University of São Paulo and at Fleury Group, Brazil. During the last 10 years she has worked in pharmaceutical industry (Blood Bank area) as Medical Affairs Director for Latin America.
Reach out to AABB's Consulting Services team today and profit from AABB's 50 years of experience in Consulting Services within the blood and biotherapies field.
Alternatively, contact Andrea Michaud, Director of Consulting and Technical Projects at AABB directly at amichaud@aabb.org to find out more about AABB Consulting Services.
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