BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The head of Miller Keystone Blood Center is stepping down and a successor has been named.
The retirement announcement of blood bank President Peter Castagna came Monday afternoon from the Board of Directors of Hospital Central Services Inc.
“We are indebted to Pete for building a strong team over the years that will help ensure a smooth transition of leadership.”John Brown, Board Chairman, HCSC, Inc.
“We are most grateful for Pete’s leadership and for guiding our organization, especially during the COVID crisis when our services were critically needed,” Hospital Central Chairman, John Brown said.
“We are indebted to Pete for building a strong team over the years that will help ensure a smooth transition of leadership.”
A succession planning committee was formed this year to pick Castagna’s successor. The group has chosen Miller-Keystone Vice President Rami Nemeh as incoming president of Hospital Central Services Inc. and its affiliates.
“The move to the Lehigh Valley serving in the president and CEO role for past 11 years have been the most rewarding of my career," Castagna said.
"I have been inspired by the passion demonstrated every day by the staff, board, donors and community partners and am excited to hand the leadership reins to Rami Nemeh.”
After emigrating to the United States 26 years ago, Nemeh joined MKBC in 1998 as a component lab technician.
“As we move forward, I am fully committed to the success of every division within our organization,” Nemeh said. “We will continue driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and achieving our shared goals.
"I remain dedicated to strengthening our ties within the community as we strive to make a positive impact and am confident that together we will build a healthier community.”
The transition will happen over the next few months with the two leaders working together, officials said.
Nemeh is set to take over the role Jan. 1.
