Blog

Remembering Bob Fechner and His Belief in Education

Posted on: Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Category: Announcements

by Deborah Swift

A man with integrity, who led by example, was dedicated to the industry and his team, and who supported his employees’ education and leadership development—that was Bob Fechner.

Bob had a lot of fans in the recruitment industry. Those who worked with or for Bob said he was a leader who knew how to create an environment that enabled people to make extraordinary things happen. The industry lost Bob way too soon when he passed away from cancer.

Because the ADRP Board of Directors wanted to see Bob’s belief in education and leadership development live on, they created the Bob Fechner Leadership Series in his honor.

During the 2011 ADRP Annual Conference in Minneapolis, the association launched the series with a video tribute to Bob.

Individuals who had worked with Bob at the American Red Cross while he was there shared their memories of him in the video, including:

·        Pat McEvoy, who is now with Blood Systems;

·        Denise Brookie, now with National Marrow Donor Program;

·        Dr. John Armitage of Oklahoma Blood Institute; and

·        Greg Ballish, with American Red Cross National Headquarters

During the video, these individuals highlight Bob’s strengths and vision, as well as his unwavering support of educational development.

We hope you will watch the video, and if you have comments to add about Bob, please include them in the comments section following the blog.

And, for those of you who were unable to attend the conference, you might check out one of the presentations from the 2011 Bob Fechner Leadership Series: “Generational Difference IS the Workplace,” by James Giacoletti from Carter BloodCare.

Bob’s wife, Julie, who accepted an award in honor of Bob at the conference and attended James’ session, told ADRP Board Member Aissa Martin, “Sweetheart (Bob) would have loved this session.” We’re happy to have that endorsement.