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Press Releases
March 10, 2010 - Florida’s Blood Centers CEO Announces
Resignation
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Chinoda to Step Down Effective March
11
ORLANDO, Florida -- Anne K. Chinoda will resign as President and
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Florida’s Blood Centers (FBC)
effective March 11.
Chinoda has served FBC for the past 23 years, rising from the ranks
to CEO in 2003. During her tenure as President, the organization
doubled in size and provided a safe and reliable blood supply 24
hours a day, seven days a week to 70 hospitals and medical
facilities in 21 counties throughout Florida.
“It would be an understatement to say this decision was not an easy
one to make, but I know it is in the best interests of FBC and
everyone it serves, especially our valued blood donors,” said
Chinoda. “Now is the time to turn to a new generation of leaders
who will sustain and fulfill FBC’s lifesaving mission.”
Chinoda’s resignation was accepted at a specially called meeting of
the FBC Board of Directors today, at which a separation and
non-competition agreement was also approved.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I accept Anne’s resignation
with regret and thank her for her many years of dedicated service,”
said Leighton D. Yates, Chairman of the FBC Board of Directors.
“Under Anne’s leadership, FBC has evolved into one of the nation’s
largest independent blood centers while consistently and faithfully
fulfilling our lifesaving mission. She also led FBC’s efforts to
comply with board governance reforms, underway since November
2009.
However, we must accept Anne’s view that her resignation is
necessary to stop the erosion of public trust in FBC and to begin
the process of regaining the community’s respect and support.
Furthermore, by April 21, we will install a new Board Chairman and
Executive Committee and will formally adopt measures to ensure
greater community accountability and transparency.”
The separation and non-competition agreement approved by the Board
of Directors protects FBC’s business strategies, contacts with
donor groups and hospitals, and other similar, proprietary
information. The non-competition agreement essentially prohibits
Chinoda from seeking similar work within Florida for the next year
and is supported by the separation payment FBC will make to her
under the agreement.
“Securing a non-competition agreement is absolutely essential and
standard when a longtime CEO departs and is not obtained without a
suitable arrangement,” said Yates. “It’s the right thing to do for
both parties. Despite the potential for controversy, we must focus
on the future. Avoiding litigation and preparing for a smooth
transition to new leadership are essential.”
The key details of the separation and non-competition agreement
include:
- non-competition in Florida for one year;
- non-solicitation agreement for one year;
- mutual non-disparagement and cooperation;
- maintain confidentiality of proprietary business information
and trade secrets;
- one year of base salary plus the approximate value of one
year’s base benefits for a total value of approximately
$380,000;
- parties exchange general releases, subject to preservation of
their rights under the separation and non-competition
agreement.
Chinoda will also resign from the various FBC-related leadership
roles for which she has been widely recognized, including service
on the boards of BioFlorida and the Metro Orlando Economic
Development Commission.
Under Chinoda’s leadership, FBC helped nurture the Medical City at
Lake Nona by making unused FBC lab space immediately available to
the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute while its new
facility was under construction.
Mike Pratt, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of
FBC, will serve as interim Chief Executive Officer until a new CEO
has been hired after a national search is conducted. Pratt joined
FBC in 1990 and is responsible for daily operations throughout the
organization’s 21-county service area. He is also FBC’s authorized
point of contact for all regulatory-compliance issues involving the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He received his undergraduate
degree in medical technology from the University of Iowa and
master’s degree in laboratory management from Georgia State
University. From 1966 to 1990, he was a Medical Service Corps
officer in the U.S. Navy and retired with the rank of captain.
Florida’s Blood Centers (FBC) is a not-for-profit healthcare
organization that has been saving lives since 1942. Our mission of
providing a safe and reliable blood supply to those in need has a
direct and immediate impact on the public health and welfare. To
fulfill that mission, we employ 1,000 professionals in 21 counties
serving 70 hospitals and medical facilities throughout Florida. We
also support advanced scientific study into the prevention and
treatment of disease, such as through our partnership with the
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute at Lake Nona. To learn
more, visit www.floridasbloodcenters.org.
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