May 3, 2007 - ADRP
During its annual conference, the Association of Donor Recruitment Professionals (ADRP), an international organization dedicated to donor recruitment, elected Gavin Evans, head of marketing for England’s National Blood Service (NBS) as its 2007-08 President of ADRP.
During his address to the membership, Evans noted that donor attrition is a critical issue worldwide. For example, he said NBS’ annual goal is two million units of blood. “We need to recruit more than a quarter of a million new donors each year just to reach our basic quota.”
Evans also said that recruiters around the globe must also ensure that their hard work is recognized.
“The work of recruiters often falls below the radar of senior management. So, if recruiters’ contributions are not universally appreciated, these activities become vulnerable to misunderstanding,” he explained.
Evans added that is why he considers ADRP so important. “ADRP helps deliver the message that recruitment is vital to a blood center’s success.”
Evans has worked for almost 10 years in donor recruitment. His responsibilities include strategy, above-the-line advertising, direct marketing, third party relationships, management of the donor database and the provision of all national contact center services. He previously held a variety of senior sales and marketing roles, including serving as a consultant in Miami, Florida.
Evans assumes the presidency from Sue Churchill, recruitment coordinator for the Mayo Clinic.
Under Churchill’s leadership, ADRP developed a partnership with AABB to promote World Blood Donor Day, redesigned the ADRP website, and significantly increased its membership, adding many members from the National Marrow Donor Program.