Robert Scanlon, MBA, Chief Executive Officer
Bob Scanlon is Chief Executive Officer of Blood Bank of Alaska, bringing more than twenty years of leadership experience in healthcare administration, biomedical manufacturing, and emergency logistics. Since stepping into the role after relocating to Anchorage in 2012, Mr. Scanlon has focused on driving operational stability, technological modernization, and strategic growth for the state’s critical blood supply network.
Notably, Mr. Scanlon was intimately involved in the development and construction of the Blood Bank of Alaska's new state-of-the-art facility. Under his direct oversight, the 60,000-square-foot building was delivered on time and $6 million under budget. Throughout his tenure, he has modernized the blood bank and instituted numerous technical advancements to secure the organization's long-term service capability for the people of Alaska.
Before leading the Blood Bank of Alaska, Mr. Scanlon spent eleven years with the American Red Cross’ Biomedical Services, eventually serving as the Western Area Director of Manufacturing and Technical Operations for the Western United States. During the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, he was designated as the American Red Cross Liaison and primary Point of Contact, responsible for aligning agency efforts with military logistics, federal law enforcement, and emergency response organizations. His background also includes serving as Executive Director of St. Luke’s Humphrey’s Diabetes Center and participating on the St. Luke's Health System Institutional Review Board and Research division.
Active in the national healthcare community, Mr. Scanlon has served on the National Board of Directors for America’s Blood Centers (ABC) and completed the ABC Executive Fellow program in 2025. He maintains professional ties with the American College of Healthcare Administrators and the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association.
A veteran and former United States Marine Corps Infantry Officer, Mr. Scanlon’s career is defined by a commitment to public and civic service. His public appointments include serving as a District Appeal Board Member for the State of Alaska’s Selective Service System, a Planning and Zoning Commissioner for Canyon County, Idaho, and a legislative resource for the Idaho State Service Council. He is also a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (40/8).
Mr. Scanlon holds an MBA from Northwest Nazarene University, a Bachelor of Science from Portland State University, and a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Megan Ritter, M.D., Chief Medical Director
Joining Blood Bank of Alaska in 2014, Dr. Ritter has an extensive background in clinical and anatomical pathology. She has served in Medical Director and Anatomic Pathology Services Chief roles with the USAF, including directing an FDA licensed and CAP accredited Donor center, Blood Bank and Transfusion Service, and as Medical Director of Las Vegas Community Surgery Center, Immunohistochemistry Laboratory Medical Director Sunrise Medical Center & Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas, Client Services Medical Director & Surgical Pathology Medical Director with Providence Hospital, and Laboratory Medical Director at the Seward Providence Medical and Care Center.
As Alaska WWAMI Professor of Medical Education in the UAA College of Health WWAMI School of Medical Education, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Pathology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, she is actively involved in the development and teaching of the medical school curriculum to Alaska WWAMI medical students.
Her expertise is critical to the management and safety of Blood Bank of Alaska’s collection and processing protocols.
Janice Bruchhauser, MBA, Director of Finance and Purchasing
Janice Bruchhauser, MBA, Director of Finance and Purchasing joined the Blood Bank of Alaska in 2014. She received her MBA from AIU in 2015 and her undergraduate in Accounting from UAF in 1991. Prior to joining BBAK, Janice completed a MA in Ministry in 2005 and began her career in the non-profit field with Alaskan businesses such as Providence Hospital, was the Finance Controller for The Salvation Army for seven years and has worked for other Anchorage businesses such as First National Bank, GCI, and Deloitte & Touché in the accounting field.
Janice was born in Anchorage when it was a territory and has lived a diverse Alaskan life, surviving the 1964 earthquake, spending 20-years in Fairbanks where she worked as a Pipefitter on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline in Prudhoe Bay for fifteen-years, and later attending UAF to complete her BA in Accounting. Her background also includes being a financial broker with Waddell & Reed, all preparing her for the Director of Finance and Purchasing with the Blood Bank of Alaska.
In her spare time, Janice as has finished 15 MT. Marathon races in Seward; is an 18 year member of Dimond Talkers Toastmasters holding various club and Area District Officer roles. She is a 10 year member of the Anchorage Elks Lodge #2868 and is currently President of the Board of Directors as well as a Past Exalted Ruler since 2017. Always on the go, Janice is fast becoming a world traveler to the following places: Germany, Austria, Greece, Rome, London, Paris, Denmark, Turkey, Ireland, Norway, Sidney Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Mexico, and the Bahamas.
Wes Dahlgren, Director of Collections & Recruitment
Westley joined the Blood Bank of Alaska in 2009. Raised locally in Anchorage, he attended The University of Wyoming & The Carl Von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg (Germany). The call of Alaska was too great though and he returned after graduation. Upon his return he rediscovered a passion for the outdoors and is an annual finisher of Mt Marathon.
Managing the daily operations of the Collections Department he ensures that patients have a continuous blood supply at local area hospitals. He and his staff take pride in serving the state of Alaska.
Tracie Kingsland, Director of Human Resources
Tracie Kingsland-Edmonson joined the Blood Bank of Alaska (BBAK) in August 2014, originally stepping into a dual role as both the Director of Human Resources and the Safety Officer. Today, she focuses exclusively on leading the Human Resources department, though she continues to provide critical backup support for safety operations when necessary, due to her deep expertise in OSHA regulations and compliance.
Tracie brings over 30 years of comprehensive HR experience to her role. Prior to her time at BBAK, she built her career working with Hope Community Resources, the Alaska Psychiatric Institute, and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. She possesses in-depth knowledge of Human Resource laws, regulatory policies, employee relations, OSHA regulations, and workers' compensation frameworks.
Originally from Columbus, Georgia, Tracie relocated to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1987 when her father was stationed at Fort Richardson Army Base—now part of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1994. Tracie is a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and holds her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) designation. Dedicated to supporting her professional community, she is an active member of the Anchorage Society of Human Resource Management (ASHRM) and previously served as the chapter's Workforce Readiness Director.
Outside of her professional life, Tracie loves spending time with her family, serving at her church, traveling, and reading.
Maureen Pedigo, MPH, MLS(ASCP)SBB, Quality Assurance Director
Maureen (Mo) Pedigo is returning to Blood Bank of Alaska as the Director of Quality Assurance. Mo and her family lived in Alaska for 20 years prior to moving to the lower 48 nine years ago. Mo’s started out as a lab rat, working as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in hospital laboratories for over 8 years after graduating from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology. Mo then transitioned to the ever exciting and evolving world of blood banking where she has worked for the past 30 years, including multiple management positions in Technical Services, Biotherapies and Quality Assurance. During this time, she also obtained her Specialist in Blood Banking certification and holds a master’s degree in public health from California State University – Fresno
Maureen’s focus is to work as a team to implement projects and process improvements while meeting regulatory and standard requirements to ensure a healthy, safe blood supply. She creates an inviting, collaborative environment so staff and management feel comfortable working together with quality. Having chocolate in her office for all who visit helps too.
Maureen’s interests include baking, quilting, spending time with her dogs, and occasionally fishing with her husband. Maureen and her husband were Iditarod volunteers for 19 years and look forward to becoming part of the Iditarod family again. Mo loved mushing so much, she had a small recreational dog team she ran for fun prior to moving out of state. Though she has fond memories the years she had a dog team, she admits life is a little less crazy with just a few dogs versus a team of seven huskies and a few house pets.
Ashere Chait, MBA, Director of Marketing and Communications (Contractor)
Ashere joined Blood Bank of Alaska in 2012, bringing extensive experience in marketing, media strategy, public relations, and brand management. In her role, she oversees the organization's marketing initiatives, media relations, digital presence, and overall brand strategy, helping strengthen community awareness and engagement in support of its lifesaving mission.
Prior to moving to Alaska, Ashere served as Group Media Director at several advertising agencies in South Carolina and Texas, where she developed and executed strategic marketing campaigns for a diverse range of clients. Throughout her career, she has led numerous award-winning campaigns, combining creative vision with strategic planning to deliver meaningful results.
In 2014, Ashere established A. Chait Consulting, providing marketing strategy, branding, and communications services to area businesses. Through her consulting work, she helps organizations strengthen their market presence, connect with their audiences, and achieve their business goals.
Ashere earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Strayer University.
For Ashere, joining Blood Bank of Alaska was more than a career opportunity. It fulfilled a lifelong aspiration to use her professional experience to make a meaningful difference in the community. She takes pride in supporting an organization whose mission directly impacts the lives of patients and families throughout Alaska.
Outside of work, Ashere enjoys traveling, running, and spending time with her family, including her three children and four dogs.
A. Chait Consulting Co.
Michael Hayward, Director of Information Services & Facilities
Michael moved to Alaska from Massachusetts in 1990 and proudly considers Alaska his home. Before beginning his 17-year career with Blood Bank of Alaska, he gained valuable experience working with the American Red Cross and served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps in North Carolina.
Michael earned his bachelor's degree from Columbia Southern University and holds professional certifications in Project Management, Human Resources, and numerous areas of information technology. Committed to continued professional development, he recently earned a graduate certificate in Project Management and is nearing completion of his Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Michael is dedicated to community service and civic engagement. He serves on the local board of the Federal Selective Service System and provides support for Internal Affairs Commission of The American Legion.
Throughout his career, Michael has combined his military background, technical expertise, and leadership experience with a commitment to service, supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Shelina Huddleston MLT PBT (ASCP) CM, Manager, Hospital Services & Manufacturing
Shelina Huddleston has dedicated her career to the blood banking and medical laboratory fields, developing extensive hands-on experience across multiple stages of blood collection, processing, and transfusion services. Her career began in 2002 at the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI), where she built a strong foundation in blood banking. In 2014, she transitioned into hospital laboratory services, expanding her knowledge and experience in the medical laboratory field.
In 2021, Shelina moved to Alaska with her Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) experience, continuing her career in healthcare while embracing new opportunities in a different setting. In 2024, she joined Blood Bank of Alaska, returning to her roots in blood banking.
Her diverse background gives her a broad understanding of the journey blood takes from donor to patient and the important role each step plays in supporting safe and timely transfusions. With experience in both hospital laboratory services and blood banking, Shelina brings valuable knowledge of the processes that connect laboratory operations with patient care.
Outside of work, Shelina enjoys making the most of Alaska’s great outdoors. Her interests include fishing, boating, exploring, skiing, and riding snow machines. She also enjoys chasing the northern lights whenever the opportunity arises. Whether she is out on the water, exploring the Alaskan wilderness, or watching the aurora dance across the night sky, Shelina embraces the adventurous lifestyle that makes Alaska so special