Vitalant Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Vitalant has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, regional operations, philanthropic development, medical oversight, and human capital management.

Dedicated to national community blood services, Vitalant transforms lives by connecting donors with hospitals and health care partners through a robust, mission-driven transfusion medicine network.

Leadership Roles at Vitalant

  • Chief Executive Officer - Michael Fuller
  • Division President, Vitalant (South) - James Dugger
  • President, Vitalant Foundation - Katie Cobb
  • Division Chief Medical Officer - Paul Eastvold
  • Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer - Manuel Ocasio
  • Michael Fuller - Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Fuller, the Chief Executive Officer at Vitalant, directs the national strategy for community blood services and transfusion medicine. Overseeing the entire organizational framework, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between hospital partnerships and donor engagement initiatives. This leadership role involves scaling operations to meet the critical needs of patients across the United States. By optimizing the supply chain for blood products, Michael Fuller directly impacts the efficacy of health care delivery systems. The Chief Executive Officer maintains constant communication with the Board to drive long-term sustainability and mission fulfillment. Through rigorous oversight of national service standards, Fuller secures the operational integrity of the organization. This executive position requires balancing complex logistical demands with the selfless mission of community health. Ultimately, Fuller fosters a culture of service that supports the broader goals of the national blood service provider.

    James Dugger - Division President, Vitalant (South)

    James Dugger, the Division President, Vitalant (South) at Vitalant, manages comprehensive transfusion medicine services across the southern region. Overseeing regional hospital partnerships, the Division President, Vitalant (South) ensures consistent blood supply availability for health care providers. This leadership role involves coordinating local donor recruitment efforts to meet the specific demands of southern medical facilities. By streamlining regional logistics, James Dugger directly impacts the speed and reliability of life-saving blood deliveries. The Division President, Vitalant (South) collaborates with national leadership to implement standardized service protocols while addressing unique regional health challenges. Through active engagement with community stakeholders, Dugger strengthens the local impact of the national blood service provider. This operational focus supports the broader mission of transforming lives through blood donation. Ultimately, Dugger drives regional growth and operational excellence within the southern division.

    Katie Cobb - President, Vitalant Foundation

    Katie Cobb, the President, Vitalant Foundation at Vitalant, architects the philanthropic strategy to support national blood service initiatives. Overseeing the foundation's development efforts, the President, Vitalant Foundation ensures the acquisition of resources necessary for advancing transfusion medicine research and community outreach. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with donors and partners to expand the reach of the organization. By managing charitable contributions, Katie Cobb directly impacts the ability of the foundation to support hospital partners and patients in need. The President, Vitalant Foundation works closely with executive leadership to align fundraising goals with the core mission of the blood service provider. Through strategic grant-making and community engagement, Cobb enhances the visibility and impact of the organization. This role requires a deep commitment to the selfless act of donating blood. Ultimately, Cobb secures the financial foundation required for long-term mission success.

    Paul Eastvold - Division Chief Medical Officer

    Paul Eastvold, the Division Chief Medical Officer at Vitalant, directs the clinical standards and medical safety protocols for transfusion medicine services. Overseeing medical compliance, the Division Chief Medical Officer ensures that all blood collection and distribution processes meet rigorous health care safety requirements. This leadership role involves providing clinical guidance to hospital partners and internal teams to optimize patient outcomes. By monitoring medical quality metrics, Paul Eastvold directly impacts the safety and efficacy of the blood supply chain. The Division Chief Medical Officer collaborates with other clinical leaders to implement evidence-based practices across the organization. Through continuous evaluation of medical procedures, Eastvold maintains the highest standards of care for patients in need. This position requires deep expertise in transfusion medicine and a commitment to clinical excellence. Ultimately, Eastvold safeguards the medical integrity of the national blood service provider.

    Manuel Ocasio - Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer

    Manuel Ocasio, the Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer at Vitalant, directs the human capital strategy and organizational culture for the national blood service provider. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and workforce engagement, the Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer ensures the organization attracts and retains the skilled professionals necessary for transfusion medicine operations. This leadership role involves designing programs that support the well-being and professional growth of the entire staff. By fostering an inclusive and mission-driven environment, Manuel Ocasio directly impacts the operational efficiency and morale of the workforce. The Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer collaborates with the C-suite to align human resources initiatives with the broader strategic goals of the company. Through effective leadership development, Ocasio strengthens the organizational capacity to serve communities. Ultimately, Ocasio drives the cultural transformation required to sustain the selfless mission of the organization.
    Manuel Ocasio

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Vitalant Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Vitalant?
    Vitalant is led by Michael Fuller (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as James Dugger (Division President, Vitalant (South)) and Katie Cobb (President, Vitalant Foundation).
    Who is part of Vitalant’s executive team?
    The executive team of Vitalant includes leaders such as Michael Fuller (Chief Executive Officer), James Dugger (Division President, Vitalant (South)), Katie Cobb (President, Vitalant Foundation) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Vitalant have?
    Vitalant has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Vitalant’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Vitalant includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Division President, Vitalant (South), President, Vitalant Foundation, Division Chief Medical Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer.