Donovan Blakney Appointed COO of Sensiva Health Amid Strategic Expansion
In a significant move towards enhancing its operational capabilities, Sensiva Health has officially announced the appointment of Donovan Blakney as Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Blakney’s promotion underscores the company’s commitment to its strategic shift in healthcare services, focusing on precision medicine and advancing cancer testing capabilities.
Donovan Blakney, who has been part of Sensiva Health since 2020, previously held the position of Director of Operations and was later promoted to Vice President of Operations. His extensive experience in direct-to-consumer and healthcare operations has proven instrumental in shaping the company’s operational excellence across various verticals. Notably, Blakney spearheaded the launch of Sensiva’s medical device facility and distribution network, particularly instrumental in executing both domestic and international testing programs.
As Sensiva Health pivots from a primary focus on molecular infectious disease diagnostics and infection control towards an expanded portfolio in precision medicine, Blakney’s expertise will be crucial. He will support the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) services, toxicology, pharmacogenomics (PGx), and genetic cancer testing. Recently, the introduction of a secondary laboratory (ELITE) enhances Sensiva’s capabilities in nationwide cancer testing, aligning with the company’s growth trajectory in this innovative domain.
In his new role, Blakney aims to prioritize operational scalability and the expansion of innovative programs that include Sensiva Shield, NGS genetics, and PGx service lines. His leadership is expected to prepare the company for the debut of advanced genetic cancer testing planned for January 2026, ensuring a seamless integration of laboratory, distribution, and technology operations for Sensiva Health.
In a statement regarding his appointment, Blakney expressed gratitude for the new role: "The integrated solutions at Sensiva Health highlight the vital role of efficient, innovative operations in delivering patient-centered healthcare nationwide. I’m honored to step into this role and continue building on our strong foundation as we evolve toward precision medicine with an emphasis on cancer testing."
This elevation of Blakney comes on the heels of Ben Williamson’s promotion from COO to Chief Executive Officer in September 2024. Williamson praised Blakney as a proven leader whose operational expertise and customer-first approach align with the core values of Sensiva Health. Williamson noted, “As we expand beyond infectious disease into cutting-edge arenas like NGS and advanced genetic cancer testing, we are confident that Donovan will drive continued growth, efficiency, and innovation across the company’s operations.”
Blakney reiterated his excitement for the expanded role, emphasizing the commitment of the Sensiva team to quality and innovation, while committing to scaling services that will benefit healthcare partners and patients across the nation.
The Board of Directors at Sensiva Health expressed their confidence in Blakney’s leadership, anticipating that his operational leadership and dedication to the company’s ongoing growth will vitalize its executive team as the firm transitions to advanced genetic cancer testing capabilities.
Sensiva Health is renowned for its innovative approaches to infection prevention and precision medicine. Based in New Orleans, the company is at the forefront of expanding its healthcare services, including molecular diagnostics. The firm provides a robust infrastructure for crucial healthcare initiatives, specifically targeting the needs of vulnerable populations and their healthcare providers. The headquarters also hosts its molecular laboratory, Cormeum Lab Services.
As Sensiva Health continues to innovate and adapt within the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, Blakney's appointment as COO signals an exciting new chapter, one focused on excellence, growth, and meeting the pressing healthcare needs of communities across the United States.