From Central Office
The Congresses, the Challenges, and the Dancing – Saying Goodbye is Never Easy
Karin van den Berg
When Jenny White joined ISBT in 2020, she could hardly have imagined what lay ahead. Taking on the role of Executive Director during a global pandemic meant leading an international society at a time when travel had stopped, meetings moved online, and the future of scientific congresses was anyone's guess. It was certainly not the introduction anyone would have wished for, but Jenny approached those challenges with characteristic calm, commitment and determination.
Over more than six years, Jenny has helped shape ISBT in ways that will continue to benefit the Society for years to come. She championed the expansion of our Working Parties, recognising the enormous expertise within our volunteer community and creating new opportunities for collaboration and impact. She played a pivotal role in the development of the ISBT Blood Group Database, a resource with global impact. She also strengthened ISBT's engagement with colleagues in low- and middle-income countries, building enduring relationships with organisations such as AfSBT and partners in Pakistan, China, India and Latin America, while extending ISBT's global reach and relevance. Her work with the World Health Organisation and the International Coalition for Safe Plasma Products further reflected her commitment to collaboration across the wider transfusion community.
Those who have worked alongside Jenny describe her as considerate, understanding and sympathetic—a leader who genuinely cared about the people around her. As Executive Director, Jenny gave it her all, whether leading the organisation through stressful time or on the dance floor, she was conscientious and deeply committed, quietly keeping the organisation moving forward through both expected challenges and entirely unexpected ones and diligently applied her skills at congress parties as well.
Many of us will remember the 2023 Gothenburg Congress with particular fondness. It was Jenny's (and our) first in-person ISBT Congress after the long interruption of COVID-19. There were countless questions leading up to the event. Would people travel? Would they still come together? Would congresses ever feel the same again? Behind the scenes, there was the added challenge of welcoming a team in which many staff members had never experienced an ISBT Congress before. Through it all, Jenny remained a reassuringly steady presence. And then, once the hard work was done and the celebrations began... well, let's just say Jenny demonstrated that beneath the calm exterior was someone who knew exactly how to enjoy a successful congress. Some surprises are worth waiting for!
Jenny now leaves ISBT with much to be proud of and, perhaps best of all, with the opportunity to be wonderfully selective about the projects she chooses next. We have no doubt that whatever captures her interest will benefit enormously from her experience, wisdom and thoughtful leadership.
Jenny, thank you for guiding ISBT through one of the most extraordinary periods in its history, for the friendships you have built across our global community, and for leaving the Society stronger than you found it. We wish you every success, many travel adventures, and just enough free time to enjoy saying "no" every now and then. Thank you, and all the very best for whatever comes next.
