Honoring Outgoing Board Members and Welcoming New FACT Officers
By Catherine Bollard, MD, FACT Past President
This month, the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) Board of Directors proudly recognized several outgoing directors and officers whose dedication has advanced FACT’s mission and strengthened the global cellular therapy community. Their collective service has had a lasting impact on quality, safety, and access to life-saving therapies worldwide, and the Board is deeply grateful for their leadership and commitment.
Celebrating 30 Years of Servant Leadership: C. Fred LeMaistre, MD
A founding Board member, Dr. LeMaistre’s three decades of service are woven into the very fabric of FACT. His leadership, vision, and steady guidance have helped shape FACT from its inception into the internationally respected organization it is today.
Board of Directors Service
- Acting Past President (2022–2025)
- Past President (2012–2016)
- President (2003–2011)
- President-Elect (2002)
- Board Member (1996–2001)
Committee Leadership and Service
- Leadership and Nominations Committee
- Clinical Outcomes Improvement Committee
- Grievance Committee
- Quality Management Committee
- Finance Committee
- Cellular Therapy Accreditation Committee
- Immune Effector Cell Task Force
- New Business Development Task Force
Additional Roles
- FACT Clinical Inspector for more than 15 years
- Vice President, FACT Consulting Services, LLC (2017–Present)
“As a FACT community, we have so much to thank Fred for—starting from the very inception of FACT through this new phase of growth and opportunity,” I shared with the Board. “Fred has been an incredible partner during my five-year tenure as President. I learned so much from you and am deeply indebted for your unwavering support. Thank you for 30 extraordinary years of service and leadership.”
Dr. LeMaistre reflected on his time with FACT, stating,
“It has been a privilege to work alongside FACT colleagues to help ensure that patients have access to the highest-quality cellular therapy programs.”
Recognizing Additional Outgoing Board and Committee Leaders
Carlos Ramos, MD
Board of Directors
- Board Member (2020–2025)
- Executive Committee Member (2023–2025)
- Treasurer (2023–2025)
Committees
- Finance Committee (2023–2025)
- FACT–Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research Data Audit Committee (2017–Present)
Inspector
- FACT Clinical Inspector for more than 13 years
“Thank you for your tremendous service—especially during these five pivotal years on the Board,” I noted. “Your leadership during a time of transition, growth, and expanding global impact has been invaluable.”
Dr. Ramos shared,
“Serving on the FACT Board of Directors and acting as Treasurer has been a deeply rewarding professional experience. FACT’s mission and the dedication of those who advance it continue to inspire me. Collaborating with colleagues across the cellular therapy and transplant communities has reinforced the shared purpose that defines this organization. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to FACT’s strategic direction and sustained growth.”
Huy Pham, MD, MPH
Board of Directors
- Board Member (2019–2025)
Committees
- Cellular Therapy Accreditation Committee (2023–Present)
- FACT–Joint Accreditation Committee ISCT-Europe & EBMT (JACIE) Cellular Therapy Collection Facility Standards Committee (2023–Present)
- Education Committee (2019–2023)
Inspector
- FACT Collection Inspector for more than 10 years
Dr. Pham was recognized for bringing critical expertise from the apheresis community to the Board.
“I deeply appreciate the perspective you brought as the representative of the American Society for Apheresis and the broader apheresis community,” I shared.
Dr. Pham reflected on his service, stating,
“It was an honor to represent ASFA on the FACT Board of Directors for the past six years. This role allowed me to elevate apheresis issues and advocate for collection facilities worldwide. I witnessed firsthand FACT’s significant growth and its leadership in advancing quality and safety across apheresis and cell therapy.”
He added,
“With the introduction of immune effector cell standards into community practice, FACT has worked with external partners to expand access beyond academic centers—helping close disparities and bring life-saving therapies closer to patients. With such strong leadership, I am confident FACT will continue setting the global gold standard for years to come.”
Welcoming New Officers to the Executive Committee
Phillip Johnson, MMedSc(Path)
Hien Liu, MD
As announced in our recent press release welcoming new FACT President Navneet Majhail, MD, FACT is pleased to welcome two new officers to the Executive Committee, further strengthening leadership as the organization continues to grow.
- Phillip Johnson, MMedSc(Path) – Vice President
- Hien Liu, MD – Secretary
FACT looks forward to their continued leadership and service as we advance our mission and expand our global impact.
