FRESNO (KMJ) — Today is the last day Dean Eller will be the CEO of the Central California Blood Center, after nearly 18 years in the role.
“I’ll be 70 years old in a couple of months and I just think it’s time,” he reveals in a conversation with KMJ News. “I’ve been working full time since I was 15 years old and I think it’s time to relax a little bit.”
The association between Eller and the Central California Blood Center began in 1995 with the passing of his daughter Jenny. She had been diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 18, and died four years later.
“She spent that four years relying on the generosity of the wonderful blood donors of the Central Valley to keep her alive.”
The night she died, Dean Eller says he promised her that he would carry on her work promoting the Central California Blood Center.
“I didn’t know what that meant at the time, other than I was going to volunteer at the blood center. I did for four years and became kind of the unofficial spokesperson of the blood center taking Jennifer’s place…but then four years later the position of President and CEO became available.”
His successor has already been chosen: Chris Staub was brought in from New York to be the blood center’s Chief Operating Officer; he is now set to take on the top job following Eller’s final day on July 31st.
“I am so thankful for the people of the Central Valley in how they have supported me and Jenny over the years,” adds Eller. “It has been phenomenal to feel the love that has come from all the blood donors in the Central Valley.”
But what to do in retirement remains a mystery.
“I have purposely not planned anything, we don’t have trips planned. I’m going to have to find something to do. Some other kind of public service I’m sure I’ll get involved with.
“I don’t have any hobbies, and I don’t necessarily like to take vacations and I’ve never cared for vacations.
“I’ve been an A-type personality and a workaholic. It’s going to be an adjustment.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
You can also hear the full interview with Dean Eller below:
