Nicholas Lilly, MBA
Senior Director of Inova Blood Donor Services
Nicholas Lilly graduated from George Mason University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts. In 2021, he received his Master of Business Administration from Virginia Wesleyan University. For over 14 years, he has worked at Inova Blood Donor Services as a tech, team leader, quality specialist, trainer, and regulatory affairs manager. He currently serves as the Senior Director of the blood center. Daily, he directs and oversees all operations of blood donor services providing blood and blood products to inpatients and outpatients at Inova and non-Inova hospitals. He directs all team members in their day-to-day operations, team member relations, and staff development as it relates to providing safe, pure, and potent blood products to their community.
Grace B. Sese, M.D.
Medical Director of Inova Blood Donor Services
Dr. Sese is board-certified in clinical pathology and holds medical licenses in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Dr. Sese treats patients on a regular basis and also serves as the Medical Director of Inova Blood Donor Services and as the Medical Director for Inova Fairfax Medical Campus/Inova Schar Cancer Apheresis Services. In her role as Medical Director of Inova Blood Donor Services (IBDS), Dr. Sese works closely with the Director of IBDS, Nicholas Lilly, to ensure IBDS complies with Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and standards set by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). As Medical Director of IBDS, Dr. Sese is a vital team member often providing care at IBDS donor centers and mobile blood drives to ensure donors are properly cared for during their life-saving donations.
In addition to those roles, Dr. Sese is also the Associate Medical Director at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus Blood Bank and Clinical Laboratories. She is a FACT (Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy) Medical and Facility Director. Dr. Sese is a FACT Inspector as well. Dr. Sese participates as a member of the Blood Utilization Review Committee at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus and the Blood Management Program at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus.
Dr. Sese’s prestigious training background includes completing a pathology residency at Washington Hospital Center and a transfusion medicine fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She received her board certification in clinical pathology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University Hospital’s pathology program.
Caroyln Bayless
Mobile Operations Manager
Carolyn's journey with Inova Blood Donor Services (IBDS) began in 1996, marking the start of a passionate and dedicated career. Moving to Virginia in 1992 after contributing to a hospital system in San Antonio, Texas, Carolyn returned to the workforce at Inova, where she has thrived ever since. Since 2005, Carolyn has held the role of Mobile Operations Manager, overseeing the mobile collection team. Her commitment to IBDS's purpose is unwavering, driven by the belief that we make a tangible difference in the lives we touch.
Throughout her two-decade tenure, Carolyn's diverse roles, from Donor Specialist to Operations Trainer, showcase her versatility and commitment. Her leadership has been instrumental in the success of IBDS operations, contributing significantly to the organization's mission of ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply.
Darryl Elzie, PsyD, MHA, MLS (ASCP), CQA (ASQ)
Manager, Regulatory Affairs
Dr. Elzie brings over two decades of expertise in medical laboratory inspections for the College of American Pathologists as a medical laboratory scientist and a certified quality auditor. He has held the roles of laboratory generalist, chemistry senior technologist, and quality consultant. He also serves as the Director of the Virginia State Chapter of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and conducts lectures on laboratory quality and administration for ASCPi students.
Dr. Elzie holds a Doctorate in Psychology from The University of the Rockies and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Ashford University further enhancing his multidisciplinary approach. Beyond his regulatory role, he practices as a psychologist, life coach, and counselor, leveraging his diverse background to support personal and professional growth.
A.J. Hughes, MA
Fixed Site Manager
AJ's professional journey began in 1984 at Inova as a nursing assistant in renal medicine. After serving as a Combat Medical Specialist in the U.S. Army, AJ joined various Inova surgical teams, including general surgery, thoracic surgery, and heart transplant. In the mid-90s, AJ transitioned to Blood Donor Services, where he found a platform for personal and professional growth as both a team member and leader. Over the years, AJ completed a second undergraduate degree and a master's degree, becoming an adjunct professor at NVCC. He is also a faculty member at the Inova Phlebotomy School, very much enjoying the opportunity to teach. Throughout the evolving landscape at Inova, AJ's steadfast commitment to evidence-based and patient-centered medicine, along with a compassionate approach to patient and team care, remains constant.
Srilatha (Latha) Jayavarapu, MS, MLS (ASCP)
Manager, Laboratory Services
Latha is an ASCP-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist with a Master's in Biochemistry. Her journey with Inova started in 2004 at Inova Alexandria Hospital and has been performing a key leadership role with Inova Blood Donor Services since 2017. She oversees the daily operations of the team that tests and certifies the blood products used across Inova and non-Inova hospitals. She plays a critical role in the automation of many procedures, implementation of technology and focuses on continuous improvement in compliance with FDA and industry standards. Latha represents Inova Blood Donor Services with the Patient Blood Management Committee and Blood Bank Clinical Practice Teams across the hospital system. In addition, Latha also serves as a mentor through the AABB Mentoring Program.
Terri L. Craddock, MBA, MLS(ASCP), HP
Senior Consultant
Terri Craddock has been with Inova Blood Donor Services for 35 years. Terri attended Virginia Commonwealth University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. After college, she completed an internship in Laboratory Medicine at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. In addition, Terri completed a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Strayer University.
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