Scottsdale CFO leaves employees impressed

Every once in a great while, a fantastic leader comes around and makes a positive impact on those around her. Employees of Blood Systems, Inc. in Scottsdale are lucky enough to call Susan L. Barnes their boss, and realize the benefits of working under such a qualified individual.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Barnes has been with Blood Systems, Inc.—an internationally known leader in blood banking—for the past 16 years as CFO and vice president. She is an excellent mentor as well as the financial leader of the company.

Together with its divisions, Blood Systems, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization. It is a “fee for service” organization and is a founding member of the AABB and America’s Blood Centers. Both
organizations play a major role in communicating advances in transfusion medicine nationwide. Blood Systems is also a member-owner of Blood Centers of America, an organization dedicated to improving the operating effectiveness of its members. With the help of leaders such as Barnes, Blood Systems, Inc. has been making a difference in people’s lives and delivering proven service for more than 65 years.

Although blood is freely given by volunteers, there are significant costs to recruit blood donors and then to collect, test, process and deliver blood to hospitals. Blood centers charge hospitals a processing fee to cover these costs. To meet quality standards comparable to those in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, blood centers invest heavily in procedure development, training, equipment and facilities.

Like all organizations―whether for-profit or non-profit―blood centers must be financially fit to continue to fulfill their lifesaving missions. Gifted with the great ability to budget and plan for the future of a company, Barnes has developed many tools and models that have been very effective in planning and tracking the growth of Blood Systems, Inc.

By setting clear expectations, leading by example, cultivating unique individual talents and showing appreciation for her employees’ efforts, Barnes has created a positive professional environment at Blood Systems Inc. It’s no surprise that she has gained the respect and admiration of her staff.