SunCoast Blood Centers Welcomes Back Teresa Taft as Vice President of Operations and Engagement

BRADENTON, FL - October 23, 2025 - SunCoast Blood Centers announces the return of Sarasota native Teresa Taft, who will rejoin the organization on October 31, 2025, as Vice President of Operations and Engagement.

Taft previously served seven years with SunCoast Blood Centers, advancing from donor recruitment to leadership roles in marketing, fundraising, and community engagement strategies. Her hands-on experience across the organization provides a rare, ground-up understanding of what it takes to sustain a strong local blood supply.

Since 2021, Taft has worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, most recently as Senior Director of Community Engagement, where she built a comprehensive volunteer recruitment program, expanded community partnerships, and became a mentor herself. A committed Rotarian, she leads with Service Above Self and applies the Four Way Test: truth, fairness, goodwill and better friendships, and benefit to all. These principles guide her work with families, donors, and partners.

In her new role, Taft will oversee marketing and development, donor services, recruitment, the concierge donation program, and call center operations—areas critical to connecting local donors with hospitals and healthcare partners across the region.

“Teresa’s leadership experience and deep community roots make her the ideal leader as we expand our reach and partnerships,” said Scott Bush, CEO of SunCoast Blood Centers. “Her dedication to service and passion for connecting people to purpose reflect the core of SunCoast’s mission.”

“This is more than a career move; it’s a calling,” said Taft. “As our community grows, the demand for blood grows with it. When minutes matter, a strong local supply made possible by a caring community ensures care is never delayed. I’m honored to help strengthen SunCoast’s ability to serve our neighbors in their most urgent moments.”

SunCoast Blood Centers operates six donor centers in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, Port Charlotte, and Parrish, and also deploys mobile blood drives and a concierge program across Florida’s Suncoast.

About us:

Founded in 1949, SunCoast Blood Centers is a locally operated, nonprofit blood center dedicated to providing a reliable supply of blood products to hospitals throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast. For more information visit suncoastblood.org.

Media Inquiries:

Marketing@suncoastblood.org