Endowed by Grifols, formerly Chiron, this merit based lectureship honors the memory of one of our Association’s heroes, Karen Williams. Karen lost a valiant fight to ovarian cancer and passed away on March 1, 2006, just months before she was to accept the gavel and preside as SCABB’s 49th President. Karen was not only a valued member of the SCABB Board of Directors, respected colleague and friend, but she was also a cherished Chiron employee who was dedicated to her profession. Karen’s leadership and commitment to serving her customers promoted blood safety throughout the country.

Each year, the lectureship is awarded to an independent expert in the area of blood safety who is selected by the SCABB Technical/Scientific Program Committee and approved by the Association’s Board of Directors. The lectureship award was proposed, developed, and became a reality through the efforts of a number of Karen’s Chiron associates at that time including Dr. Andrew Heaton, Chief Medical Officer and Jay Grover, President, Chiron Foundation.

The Karen Williams Memorial Lectureship is a testimony to Karen’s legacy and Grifols for continuing to secure it and exemplifies the commitment of the Chiron Foundation and of Grifols to ensure the safety and availability of the blood supply and to promote the highest standards of care for blood donors and recipients.