Meet the Recruitment Team

Abbie Arneson 

I was raised in North Platte, Nebraska, and come from a proud Husker family - we’re all University of Nebraska alumni, so you could say bleeding red runs in our blood! GO HUSKERS!

I’ve been with LifeServe Blood Center since March of 2022, and I bring 18 years of experience in blood banking. Throughout my career, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to travel across South Dakota, coordinating lifesaving blood drives and working closely with local hospitals, volunteers, and community leaders. I feel truly blessed to have met so many wonderful people and to visit such welcoming, generous communities who are passionate about helping others.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring new restaurants, and watching my kids compete in their various sports. I also love listening to audiobooks and podcasts, especially while on the road - and I’m a big college football fan, especially when the Huskers are playing!

Kathie Gayther 

It was my passion for helping people that drove me to apply to LifeServe Blood Center in the summer of 2017. I started out as a Phlebotomist, and quickly moved through the training to learn additional skills and became an Alyx and Trima operator. In 2018, I became a team lead. In February of 2019, I became the Territory Representative of the North and East Iowa regions.

This role has allowed me to work closely with our volunteer chairpeople, the members of the communities that we serve, as well as many families that have been recipients of LifeServe blood products.

Seeing the “complete picture” of collection to recipient is not only heartwarming but continues to remind me why we do the work that we do. We save lives!

Alexandria Jackson

I am originally from Iowa City, Iowa before moving to Sioux City in 2018. I joined the Army Reserves and served for 9 years in Cedar Rapids and Sioux City before I got out in 2023.

I joined LifeServe in 2019 in Donor Services as a Phlebotomist. When I transitioned roles, I got to see and serve the communities I traveled when drawing blood in a new way.

When I am not at work, I am spending time with my husband and two sons… and a house full of cats and dogs.

Kim Jensen Dietrich 

I was born and raised on a farm outside Meckling, SD, attended USD, then moved to Nebraska - Would you be surprised that my favorite color is RED!?!

I got my start with LifeServe and the blood industry in 2016 and am excited to be making a difference in the communities we serve. I think of my job as a party planner - doing all the behind the scenes work that is needed to make the blood drive a success - then celebrating the number of lives saved with the volunteers, communities, and donors!

On my days off, I enjoy spending time on the river or traveling, but my most favorite thing ever is NanaTime!

Kally Kirk 

I have been at LifeServe for about a year now and love making an impact in our community.

I was born and raised in NE Iowa then moved to the Des Moines area where I live with my wonderful husband and two-year-old son!

When I’m not working, I am spending time with my family.

Kathy Lowry 

I was raised on a farm in small town Montana, where I learned the value of hard work and the importance of community. I began my career in the blood donation industry in Montana and recently made the exciting move to LifeServe Blood Center.

I'm proud to be part of such a dedicated organization - one that always puts partner hospitals and blood donors first, just as it should be. I truly love the mission of saving lives through blood donation. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of work that has a real, immediate impact on people and communities.

Outside of work, I enjoy taking on home improvement projects and meeting new friends. I also have two grown, married daughters and three amazing grandchildren who keep me young and constantly inspired.

Jami Langenfeld 

Keirra McFadden 

Born and raised in Iowa, community has always been at the core of who I am. I knew very early in life I wanted to work for an organization that made a tangible difference in people’s lives. My drive for impact brought me to the LifeServe draw floor where I created meaningful connections with donors, staff, and volunteers.

Now as field recruiter, I am excited to continue those connections while also discovering new communities and their people!

When I’m not working, you’ll often find me reading, baking, or attending one of my sibling’s events. I am the oldest of five, which makes my weekends quite busy, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Mikala Niemeier 

I am thrilled to be a part of the dedicated team at LifeServe Blood Center. With a degree in Advertising from Iowa State University, I honed my skills in creative thinking and strategic communication.

Prior to joining LifeServe, I had the privilege of working at the University of Iowa Hospital. Having seen firsthand the critical role of blood donation in saving lives, I'm passionate about our mission.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, live music, and theater. It's a privilege to contribute to an organization that prioritizes compassion and excellence, and I look forward to continuing to make a meaningful impact here.

Melissa Odor 

I'm from Central Iowa, and I find deep purpose in my work with LifeServe. Knowing our work helps save lives every day is incredibly meaningful, and supporting others is something I care about.

Outside of work, I spend as much time as possible outdoors, near the water or out on the golf course. I'm a big fan of Florida sunshine, and nothing means more to me than my kids, family and dogs.