ADRP Webinar: Now Hiring? The Challenges of Getting and Keeping Donor Services Staff

ADRP Webinar: Now Hiring? The Challenges of Getting and Keeping Donor Services Staff

We’ve all seen the shift with the workforce over the last couple of years.  On every street corner, in every restaurant, the “Now Hiring” sign hangs.  And unfortunately, our industry hasn’t been the exception.  Our two speakers will share what has worked at their blood centers to provide retention and expedited hiring, as well as strategies we can all implement to hire – and keep – Donor Services staff.  

Speaker: Monica Zendejas, Manager Donor Services, Versiti

Monica Zendejas leads approximately 122 front line staff as the Manager of Donor Services.  Monica is responsible for an annual collection of 83,629 red cells and 15,148 single donor platelets.  Monica is a great example of what is looks like to work up the ranks, she has advanced over her ten years at Versiti, The Blood Center of Michigan.  She started as a donor specialist (phlebotomist) and quickly moved up to team leader, educator, coordinator, supervisor and manager.  She is an example to her peers and subordinates showing that hard work and dedication can lead to advancement.  In addition to Monica’s operation responsibilities, she leads Michigan’s diversity equity and inclusion and has implemented a Spanish speaking program.  Monica was born of Mexican decent in Los Angeles, Ca.  She has been a Michigan resident for 21 years.  Monica loves spending all her free time with her children:  Rosagloria (20 years old), JuanJose (19 years old) and her “baby” Chuy (17 years old). 

Speaker: Ben Prijatel, Executive Director of Blood Operations, LifeShare Blood Center

Benjamin Prijatel is the Executive Director of Blood Operations at LifeShare Blood Center. In this position, he oversees most aspects of the organization’s daily operations, including donor recruitment, collections, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution. Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Benjamin has also worked for MEDIC Regional Blood Center and the American Red Cross. He earned his MBA from Mississippi State University in 2017 and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from Franklin University.