After guiding a six-year turnaround of the Memphis region’s blood bank, Susan Berry-Buckley has announced her retirement as CEO of Lifeblood, effective Sept. 30.

Coinciding with her retirement, Lifeblood on Oct. 1 will become part of Blood Systems, a national nonprofit that operates community blood centers serving more than 700 hospitals in 22 states.

Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Blood Systems also operates biological products distribution services, a quality consulting group and a transfusion medicine research institute. It’s a partner in the operation of four high-volume donor testing laboratories.

“Our missions and values are parallel, as are our shared commitments to quality, teamwork and excellence,” Berry-Buckley said. “As a Blood Systems center, Lifeblood will continue to pursue our lifesaving mission.”

As CEO, Berry-Buckley expanded Lifeblood’s mobile presence in the community and streamlined donor center operations. She successfully steered efforts to engage not only individual donors but also corporate sponsorship for events like the annual Donor Fest celebration and volunteer recognition luncheon, both established in 2010, and also for a new $250,000 bloodmobile that will be delivered in March 2016.

Danny Garrick, Lifeblood’s COO since 2002, will serve as the organization’s executive director effective Oct. 1. Garrick has served in leadership positions at the blood center for more than 20 years. Prior to his joining Lifeblood, Garrick was senior executive vice president of operations in Mississippi and Louisiana for Regions Bank.