Whitney is one of our staff members that works tirelessly for our biomedical program. Her work ensures that hospitals are supplied with the blood products they need. She is a dedicated and compassionate member of our team.
Q: What does your title mean and where are you based?
A: I am an Account Manager II, based out of Waterloo, Iowa. I cover 20 counties in Northeast Iowa.
As an outside sales representative, I am responsible for working with blood drive coordinators and sponsor groups to achieve blood collection targets and serve our patients in need.
Q: How long have you been with the Red Cross?
A: I will celebrate 10 years with the Red Cross on November 12, 2022.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: It’s important for me to have purpose, in both my personal and professional lives. I love being able to provide opportunities for others to demonstrate their goodwill and altruistic spirit.
As we continue to supply hospitals throughout the country with lifesaving blood products, the best part about my job is witnessing the kindness and generosity from blood donors who share their good health with patients in need. Every day, thousands of patients are relying on blood donors to receive treatments.
Q: Can you take us through a typical work day for you? What are you working on?
A: I get a kick out of this question!
Each day brings something different, which keeps things interesting. I ensure blood drives are full with appointments by promoting special donor incentives and maximizing the number of blood products collected. I’m always working on and developing plans for new sponsor groups. I also work to educate our blood donors and inform our blood program leaders and recruitment committees with the most up-to-date eligibility requirements.
Q: What do you do when you aren’t working?
A: I have a passion for the outdoors. Whether it be biking, hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, camping- I enjoy it all! I find nature truly inspiring. One of my favorite quotes is: “A walk in nature walks the soul back home," from Mary Davis. I also enjoy spending time with my nine-year-old Vizsla (dog), named Cooper. Whoever said that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, never had a dog.
Q: What is your favorite thing about where you live?
A: The PEOPLE. The people of Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas truly understand the meaning of community. We were all in it together.
Q: What has most surprised you while working at the Red Cross?
A: I’ve heard the statistic before, that "over 90% of the Red Cross workforce are volunteers," but I am still in awe of how many wonderful volunteers dedicate their time and talents to us.
Q: What is a Red Cross moment that’s stuck with you?
A: In 2019, I volunteered for our smoke alarm project. I helped install smoke alarms and educated residents on home fire safety in surrounding neighborhoods. We installed 511 alarms and made 296 homes safer in one day! It was shortly after that, we found out that our work saved a family of four. One day of volunteering changed someone else’s life forever!
Q: What do you wish people knew about working at the Red Cross?
A: We live by the quote, “Do a job you love, and you will never work,” from Mark Twain.
If you are interested in learning more about blood donation and scheduling an appointment to give, please visit redcrossblood.org.