Meet an AABB Assessor: Josie Pippert

“In quality, no two days are ever the same—and that’s what makes it so rewarding.”

AABB assessors are recognized globally for their commitment to quality and their role in shaping the future of health care. AABB assessors are AABB members, who are highly educated with a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and at least two years of experience working in their field. AABB assessors come from countries throughout the world and all share a deep commitment to optimal quality and safety for the blood and biotherapies field.

Josie Pippert, director of quality assurance at Houchin Community Blood Bank, has been an AABB volunteer assessor since 2002 and has performed many assessments of other blood collection facilities in the United States. In this interview, Pippert provides some insight on her background, her experience in the AABB Assessor Program and her favorite aspect of the AABB Assessor Program.

What is your background?

My career began as a medical technologist with a bachelor's degree in biology and an ASCP board certification. My clinical background proved invaluable when I joined a U.S. Army blood center, where I quickly advanced to the role of technical supervisor. In this position, I performed every task within the blood center. I even traveled across the United States with our team to collect blood at various military installations and academies, including West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy. I was responsible for collecting, processing, labeling releasing and distributing blood products—an experience that remains one of the greatest honors of my career. It was a privilege to serve alongside our military for 11 years.

In 2012, I transitioned to the civilian sector, accepting a position as donor services director at Houchin Community Blood Bank in Bakersfield, Calif. This role reintroduced me to civilian blood operations and the additional regulatory oversight imposed by the state of California on CLIA and blood centers. I was responsible for managing staff in daily operations, implementing new equipment and processes and collaborating with project teams on continuous improvements.

Building on my operational and technical experience, I later accepted the role of director of quality assurance. This position allowed me to apply my broad background to a new set of challenges. I particularly enjoy data analysis, root cause investigations and implementing robust quality systems. I approach my work with a strong commitment to integrity, collaboration and continuous improvement. In quality, no two days are ever the same—and that’s what makes it so rewarding.

What attracted you to become an AABB assessor?

In 2002, while serving as the technical supervisor at the Army Blood Center, I attended my first AABB Annual Meeting, along with the new assessor training in Orlando, Fla. It was during this time—being introduced to the AABB Standards in a military blood banking environment—that I developed a strong interest in learning more. The military actively encouraged personnel to pursue assessor roles, which further motivated my involvement.

What is your favorite aspect of the Assessor Program? How has the program helped you reach your professional goals?

My favorite aspect of the AABB Assessor Program is the opportunity to meet new people and engage in valuable networking opportunities. Throughout the past 24 years as a volunteer assessor, I have significantly expanded my knowledge, which has played a key role in helping me achieve my professional goals.

What should someone who is considering becoming an AABB assessor know?

Be prepared to make a meaningful time commitment when performing an assessment. This includes thoroughly reviewing the facility’s documents and records in advance. It is essential to have a solid understanding of the AABB Standards and to recognize that there may be another way to meet a given requirement.

Travel time is also part of your commitment, and once on site, you are representing AABB. Your interactions and overall demeanor should reflect professionalism and integrity. Approach each assessment with an open mind—listen actively, ask open-ended questions and remain objective throughout the process.