Giselle Rieschick, a Center Director at Octapharma Plasma, leads a team that plays a critical role in producing lifesaving plasma-derived products for patients worldwide. Although she has been in this role for less than two years, she has spent most of her adult life serving those in need of medical care.
Before joining Octapharma, Rieschick dedicated 22 years to the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Major. She was deployed five times, often attached to Army units in Afghanistan and Qatar, and eventually managed the blood donor center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.
Her military career began in 2002 when she enlisted and scored highly in health sciences on her aptitude test. This led her to a role as a laboratory technician and phlebotomist. “In the military, they tell you what you’re going to do,” Rieschick explained. “They assigned me to the hospital based on my scores.”
This role laid the foundation for her career. A supervisor recognized her potential and encouraged her to continue pursuing this path. “I had a boss who was a blood banker, and she told me my mind worked well for this field,” Rieschick recalled. With her guidance, Rieschick advanced through the ranks, eventually becoming a commissioned officer and earning a master’s degree in immunohematology.
During her deployment in Afghanistan, logistical challenges with blood supply inspired her to innovate. She pitched an idea in the Air Force’s Spark Tank, an innovation competition, proposing the use of drones to deliver blood to remote locations, reducing waste and saving lives. Although her pitch didn’t win first place, it gained significant support from senior leaders. Over the next year, she refined and tested the concept in Egypt and Jordan, proving that drones could safely transport blood in harsh conditions. The Air Force ultimately adopted her solution, showcasing her ability to rethink processes for real improvement.
After retiring, Rieschick’s drive to serve didn’t waver. “August 1, 2024, was my first day as a civilian. By August 15, I couldn’t just sit at home anymore,” she said with a laugh. Intending to ease into civilian life, she applied for a phlebotomist role at Octapharma Plasma. However, recognizing her skills and leadership experience, the company offered her the Center Director position instead.
Rieschick stepped into the role with the same focus and collaborative mindset she developed in the military. Leading a smaller but dedicated team, she found many similarities, such as meeting collection goals, cross-training staff, and maintaining high standards.
Her journey exemplifies the unique strengths veterans bring to civilian roles: adaptability, process improvement, and a strong sense of mission. From Air Force deployments to leading at Octapharma Plasma, Rieschick remains committed to saving lives and building effective teams.
