Honorees recognized by the San Antonio Business Journal reflect innovation, leadership and impact across BioBridge Global and its subsidiaries.
Four members of BioBridge Global and its subsidiaries have been named 2026 Health Care Heroes in San Antonio by the San Antonio Business Journal. Members are being recognized by their leadership, innovation and impact across healthcare and life sciences.
The annual awards celebrate individuals who are advancing patient care, driving scientific progress and strengthening their communities.
This year’s honorees represent the breadth of expertise across BioBridge Global:
- Rogelio Zamilpa, BBG Advanced Therapies
- William Bullock, South Texas Blood & Tissue
- Dr. Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul, South Texas Blood & Tissue
- Dr. Komali Pentakota, BioBridge Global
Who Was Recognized?
Executive Leadership in Biomanufacturing
Rogelio Zamilpa, BBG Advanced Therapies
Rogelio Zamilpa, PhD, serves as Executive Director of Biomanufacturing and Collaborative Programs at BBG Advanced Therapies, where he leads efforts to advance innovative therapies from early development to clinical application.
In addition, his work focuses on developing scalable biomanufacturing processes and supporting research with the potential to transform medicine globally. With a background spanning cardiovascular research, regulatory navigation and translational science, Zamilpa plays a key role in bridging discovery with real-world patient impact.
Advancing Emergency Response and Donor Programs
William Bullock, South Texas Blood & Tissue
William “Bill” Bullock has been instrumental in advancing prehospital blood transfusion programs, helping bring lifesaving care directly to patients in emergency situations.
Through his leadership, South Texas Blood & Tissue has expanded access to low titer O whole blood. This work supports first responders and improves outcomes for critically injured patients. His efforts have contributed to programs now recognized as models both nationally and internationally.
Clinical Leadership and Patient-Centered Innovation
Dr. Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul, South Texas Blood & Tissue
Dr. Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul serves as Medical Director for South Texas Blood & Tissue, where she oversees clinical integrity and helps drive innovation in patient care.
In her role, she has expanded therapeutic programs and improved access to specialized treatments, including initiatives that remove financial barriers for patients. Her leadership continues to strengthen healthcare delivery across the region while supporting advances in transfusion medicine.
Driving Research and Innovation
Dr. Komali Pentakota, BioBridge Global
Dr. Komali Pentakota, Director of the Center for Innovations and BioDesign, leads efforts to transform research into real-world therapeutic applications.
Her work focuses on advancing new technologies and improving processes that support the development of cell and gene therapies. Through collaboration, innovation and scientific rigor, she contributes to BioBridge Global’s growing impact in regenerative medicine and biotherapeutics.
A Shared Mission
While their work spans different disciplines, all four honorees share a common mission: to save and enhance lives through the healing power of human cells and tissue.
Together, their recognition as Health Care Heroes reflects the strength of BioBridge Global’s integrated approach — where research, manufacturing, clinical care and donor engagement come together to make a meaningful difference.
The honorees will be featured in a special section of the San Antonio Business Journal and recognized at an awards ceremony on May 21.
