For the past two years, George Muller has served on the Foundation Board of Directors. He’s been inspired by the lifesaving work by our staff and wants to share our mission, too.
What part of the organization speaks to you?
I have a unique window into the growth, importance and role The Foundation plays serving the many needs of BioBridge Global.
My wife of nearly 47 years was a lab technician for the South Texas Regional Blood Bank in the early 1980s – nearly 45 years ago. I still remember how small the operation was at 7078 San Pedro Ave., with fewer than 50 staff.
It has now become an ever-larger force serving our mission ”to save and enhance lives through the healing power of human cells and tissue.”
She worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Irma Villarreal – who has served over 40 years and now is the longest-tenured employee! Amazing!
I have served on the board for nearly two years and in that time, I have and continue to learn more about how expansive the products and services are under the BioBridge Global umbrella.
Another window: in July 2000, I was bleeding internally and rushed to the ER. After receiving many transfusions, I recovered. Had it not been for the blood donors and the professionals who played a part in my lifesaving event, I would not be here today! That gave me first-hand insight into the important role we play in saving lives.
I am especially humbled and privileged to have the opportunity to serve on the board during our 50- year anniversary celebration. What a special time!
What do you like to do?
I have been very lucky and blessed with two lovely daughters and seven terrific grandchildren – not to mention my wife who stood by me for nearly the entire ride. I recently retired after working as an IT professional for 46 years.
Sharing my professional experiences in the classroom at Trinity and/or UTSA is also fun. When you help someone, regardless of their age or background, it is most gratifying!
Simply put – what I like to do now is “giving back.” I am certainly motivated by the love I have for my family; although when I talk to the BioBridge Global team, my motivation and inspiration go to an even higher level. This, along with the many lifesaving stories and the impact that BioBridge Global has made on the lives of so many – well it just doesn’t get much better!!!
What motivates you?
If I had one wish it would be for everyone to take a tour and see first-hand the work that is performed every day by the BioBridge Global team members.
The 700-plus technicians, scientists, engineers and other professionals are doing much more than just collecting and distributing blood.
I have been very fortunate to have walked the hallways of QualTex (testing services that screen millions of samples for international biotechnology customers every year), GenCure (the biomanufacturing arm that collaborates with medical/research partners and clients to deliver innovative cell based solutions) as well as the South Texas Blood &Tissue operation itself, serving 48 counties and 100 hospitals/clinics in South Texas alone with lifesaving blood and tissue products and services.
Anything else you’d like to share?
There are so many memorable stories that I could share. One memorable experience was listening to Dr. Anand Srinivasan, who is the Vice President of Technology and Innovation for BioBridge Global. His passion, enthusiasm and the work his team is doing has put our organization on the global map for research and solutions in human cells and tissue.
The 700 team members of BioBridge Global contribute to saving lives every day. Is there anything more important? It is exciting to think about the next 50 years – the innovations and new products/services that will be saving additional lives on a global basis!
I have attended many BioBridge Global events over the last two years. One that tugged at my heart was the Heroes in Arms event on Feb. 1, 2024. The event featured a life support helicopter landing in the back, along with several ambulances.
