News Release January 17, 2007

Thomas C. Puckett Named President and CEO of Bonfils Blood Center

For more information contact:
Julie Scott 303.361.2873
Bonfils Blood Center

DENVER (January 17, 2007) - Several months ago, members of Bonfils Blood Center’s board of trustees initiated a national search to identify a professional to lead Bonfils Blood Center, Colorado’s community blood center. The blood center’s board of trustees last week named Thomas C. Puckett president and CEO effective immediately. Puckett, who according to the board of trustees was the right person to fill this important role, has led the blood center as president and CEO in an interim basis since March 2006.

Puckett’s knowledge of and history with Bonfils played a key role in the board’s decision. Since accepting the role of interim President and CEO, Puckett has brought stability, increased community goodwill and is leading the organization in making necessary changes to ensure its future success in both maintaining a safe, adequate and efficiently produced blood supply and long-term financial viability.

“Tom is a talented man whose character and integrity make him a leader who can provide the vision and drive to guide Bonfils for years to come,” asserts James Dierker, Chairman of Bonfils Blood Center’s board of trustees.

For more than 60 years, Bonfils Blood Center has supported the community blood supply and has played an instrumental role in the lives of patients in need throughout Colorado and beyond. Bonfils Blood Center supplies blood to more than 200 healthcare facilities and needs to collect 4,350 blood donations weekly to meet the needs of the community and to be prepared for any unexpected events. For information about Bonfils Blood Center, please visit www.bonfils.org or call (303) 366-2000.