Africa Joyner
Rocky Mount
Summary
Professional leader with proven track record in driving operational excellence and fostering team collaboration. Skilled in strategic planning, staff development, and resource management, with strong commitment to achieving results. Known for adaptability in dynamic environments, ensuring seamless operations and high standards of service delivery. Possesses strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and focus on continuous improvement.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Center Director
Octapharma Plasma
Rocky Mount, NC
11.2025 - Current
- Led daily operations to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and operational protocols.
- Developed training programs for staff, enhancing team performance and service delivery.
- Managed budgeting processes, optimizing resource allocation for operational efficiency.
- Cultivated relationships with community stakeholders, fostering partnerships to increase donor engagement.
- Analyzed operational data to identify trends and drive strategic improvements in center management.
- Oversaw recruitment and onboarding of new staff, ensuring alignment with organizational values and goals.
- Facilitated ongoing employee development initiatives to enhance workforce capabilities and morale.
- Developed strong community relationships to support center programs and initiatives.
- Promoted positive company image and established reputation as provider of choice for educational programs in greater community.
- Collaborated with parents to enhance communication channels, strengthening the home-school partnership for improved student outcomes.
- Kept facility in compliance with all applicable standards and laws.
- Fostered an inclusive culture within the center by promoting diversity awareness among staff members and addressing any discriminatory behaviors swiftly.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly through observations, providing actionable feedback that led to professional growth.
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
Quality Specialist - Chemist
Consumer Product Partners
Smyrna, TN
01.2025 - 11.2025
- Performed routine tests to determine if product(s) meet client standards. Products could include bulk production, incoming raw materials, work-in-process, or finished goods.
- Prepared samples for indicator organisms, pathogens, and chemistries.
- Identifies imperfections in the product using mechanical, sensory, or electronic equipment or chemical analysis using micrometers, calipers, hot plates, pH meter, viscometer, melting point apparatus, water titrations, pull force testing, break strength, DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimeter, FTIR, HPLC, etc.).
- Conduct analyses of product samples, compile data, and interpret the results.
- Documents result by completing reports and logs, and inputting data into a quality database.
- Maintains media and reagents as needed for daily microbiological testing.
- Assists with Product Development testing and other special request analysis.
- Participate in continuous improvement activities including LEAN and Kaizens, apply root cause analysis, and take appropriate corrective action.
- Perform equipment calibrations daily.
Center Quality Manager
Grifols Biomat
Murfreesboro, TN
12.2021 - 06.2025
- Led quality assurance initiatives to enhance compliance with regulatory standards.
- Conducted regular audits to identify areas for process improvement within center operations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive continuous quality enhancement strategies.
- Analyzed quality metrics to ensure adherence to safety protocols and operational excellence.
- Spearheaded corrective action plans in response to audit findings and quality deficiencies.
- Mentored team members in best practices, fostering a culture of quality and accountability.
- Conducted regular team meetings to review progress toward quality objectives and discuss opportunities for improvement.
- Improved overall center quality by implementing and maintaining rigorous quality management systems.
QA- Analytical/Micro Laboratory Technician
Schwan Cosmetics
Murfreesboro, TN
08.2022 - 10.2024
- Performed routine tests to determine if product(s) meet client standards. Products could include bulk production, incoming raw materials, work-in-process, or finished goods.
- Prepares samples for indicator organisms, pathogens, and chemistries.
- Identifies imperfections in the product using mechanical, sensory, or electronic equipment or chemical analysis using micrometers, calipers, hot plates, pH meter, viscometer, melting point apparatus, water titrations, pull force testing, break strength, DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimeter, FTIR, HPLC, etc.).
- Conduct analyses of product samples, compile data, and interpret the results.
- Documents results by completing reports and logs, and inputting data into a quality database.
- Maintains media and reagents as needed for daily microbiological testing.
- Assists with Product Development testing and other special request analysis.
- Participates in continuous improvement activities including LEAN and Kaizens, apply root cause analysis, and take appropriate corrective action.
- Performs equipment calibrations daily.
Quality Assurance Manager
Grifols Biotest
Greenville, NC
05.2019 - 12.2021
- Developed and implemented quality assurance protocols to ensure compliance with industry regulations.
- Led cross-functional teams to identify and resolve quality issues, enhancing product integrity.
- Conducted regular audits of production processes, ensuring adherence to established standards.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices in quality control and assurance methodologies.
- Analyzed data trends to drive continuous improvement initiatives within the quality management system.
- Spearheaded root cause analysis investigations, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence of defects.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes, ensuring organizational compliance across all operations.
- Conducted regular audits to ensure adherence to established protocols, maintaining consistency across the organization.
- Facilitated communication between departments regarding quality concerns, fostering collaboration towards shared goals.
- Developed quality planning for multiple new product launches by verifying customer requirements and implementing in design and production.
- Established and tracked quality department goals and objectives.
- Tracked quality issues with external customers, suppliers, and internal plant operations.
- Conducted regular training sessions on quality assurance best practices, elevating team competency levels.
- Enhanced product quality and reduced defect rates by implementing comprehensive quality control processes.
- Enhanced team productivity and morale by establishing clear goals and recognizing achievements.
Center Quality Manager
Grifols Plasmacare
Terre Haute, IN
06.2014 - 05.2019
- Designated trainer as Center Quality Manager.
- Responsible for the personnel function of the Quality Associate(s); including the direction, assignment of work, hiring, development and training, disciplinary actions, termination, maintenance of all personnel records, management of work schedule and delegation/follow-up of task.
- Oversight of all aspects of internal and external audits including execution; includes documentation, review of and preparation of the response, implementation of corrective and preventative action, assessment of corrective and preventative actions and follow-up as required.
- Assessed, promoted, and improved the effectiveness of the quality systems in the donor center through recognition of trends, investigation of failures in the execution of procedures, direct employee observation and review of center documents.
- Ensured that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are properly interpreted, implemented in a timely fashion, and that the staff performs according to all SOP.
- Directed and monitored processes and ensures center compliance with all applicable state, federal, and company-designated regulations.
- Collaborates with Center Managers to ensure product quality, donor suitability and donor safety and to develop the staff’s knowledge of their job function and how their performance relates to the product and patient.
- Tracks/Trends and performs follow-up on corrective and preventative actions, system implementations, and process improvement plans to measure/determine effectiveness.
- Documented, investigated, and performed root cause analysis for deviations and customer complaints, specifically in how they relate to the safety of the donor and the quality of the product.
- Performed and managed chemistry lab testing, quality control and reporting results.
Quality Associate II
KedPlasma, LLC
Mobile, AL
08.2011 - 06.2014
- Ensured that production personnel follow compliance of all Center activities with cGMP, DCOP’s (Donor Center Operating Procedures), 21CFR and other standards and protocols to meet the regulatory requirements of the FDA, EMEA, Customer Specification, CLIA, and other regulatory bodies.
- Evaluated compliance issues with appropriate staff and their supervisors. Ensure that all staff is trained and maintain their competency to perform all assigned tasks.
- Reviewed qualification, calibrations, maintenance, repair, and operation of equipment and documentation of use.
- Investigated final shipment release deviations including accurate labeling and documentation of shipments.
- Hosted comprehensive internal and external audits of the facility.
- Investigate, track/trend and follow up on corrective actions and preventative measure for center non-conformances, as well as provide analysis of preventive action on all incidents/errors.
- Ensured accurate documentation, QC checks are performed; supplies and equipment are received, conformance, and properly used to meet quality regulations.
- Responsible for freezer management, including overseeing plasma shipments and equipment failures.
- Cross-trained in screening, donor floor, shipping, and plasma processing.
Phlebotomist II
KedPlasma, LLC
Mobile, AL
08.2011 - 06.2014
- Executed phlebotomy procedures in accordance with DCOPs, to include arm preparations, collection volumes, restarts and cell loss procedures.
- Performed Haemonetics Autopheresis setup and programming with understanding of alarm signals during operation, shut down, and in the event of power failure.
- Completed test sample collection and identification, including NAT testing protocols.
Lead Phlebotomist/Route Tech
Pro-Lab
Mobile, AL
04.2012 - 06.2013
- Transported specimens following the manufacturers’ recommendations (to include centrifugation, transported in an upright position, correct temperatures are maintained, etc.) and completed required documents.
- Ran routes as assigned and submitted accurate mileage for reimbursement according company policy.
- Perform proper procedure for needle sticks/exposures documentation and follow up on elderly patients.
- Monitor clients’ supplies (requisitions, fax supplies, urine cups, occult blood cards, etc.) weekly as scheduled and replenish supplies as needed.
- Responded to the Dispatcher promptly.
Quality Supervisor II
Talecris Plasma Ressources (TPR)
Mobile, AL
06.2008 - 09.2011
- Oversaw quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff on quality control procedures.
- Led root cause analysis for non-conformance issues, driving corrective actions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiencies and product quality.
- Monitored performance metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement in operations.
- Conducted internal audits to verify adherence to company policies and industry regulations.
- Established standard operating procedures to streamline quality control processes across departments.
- Enhanced product quality by implementing stringent inspection processes and providing comprehensive feedback to production teams.
- Directed consistent measuring, inspection and testing procedures and tabulated data for detailed reports.
- Established and tracked quality department goals and objectives.
- Applied coaching techniques and tools to support managers and team members in improving performance.
Education
Master of Science - Animal Health
North Carolina A&T State University
Greensboro, NCBachelor of Science - Biology
Livingstone College
Salisbury, NCSkills
- Program promotion
- Training and mentoring
- Team building
- Space organization
- Training and coaching
- Team development
- Facility management
- Staff evaluations
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Staff scheduling
- Training management
- Data analysis
- Risk management
- Employee development
- Administrative management
- Hiring and onboarding
- Staff management
- Employee relations
- Conflict resolution
- Analytical thinking
- Interpersonal skills
- Decision-making
- Verbal and written communication
Timeline
Center Director
Octapharma Plasma
11.2025 - Current
Quality Specialist - Chemist
Consumer Product Partners
01.2025 - 11.2025
QA- Analytical/Micro Laboratory Technician
Schwan Cosmetics
08.2022 - 10.2024
Center Quality Manager
Grifols Biomat
12.2021 - 06.2025
Quality Assurance Manager
Grifols Biotest
05.2019 - 12.2021
Center Quality Manager
Grifols Plasmacare
06.2014 - 05.2019
Lead Phlebotomist/Route Tech
Pro-Lab
04.2012 - 06.2013
Quality Associate II
KedPlasma, LLC
08.2011 - 06.2014
Phlebotomist II
KedPlasma, LLC
08.2011 - 06.2014
Quality Supervisor II
Talecris Plasma Ressources (TPR)
06.2008 - 09.2011
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Livingstone College
Master of Science - Animal Health
North Carolina A&T State University