In the history of our firm, we have had the great pleasure of serving many interesting and colorful clients, who, in their own careers, have made an indelible mark on the community where we work and live.  Today, we salute one of those people – Jim Cooper, the retiring President of the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank. 

It's a rare thing in any industry to keep a client for the entire life of your business.  Rarer still, is it that the same person would be in charge of that client's operations for that entire era.  When McKonly & Asbury opened its doors in 1973, the Blood Bank – with Jim Cooper at the helm – was one of our original clients.  We sat down with Jim Cooper recently to reflect on his career.

Q:  When did you begin your career with the Blood Bank?

I began July 1, 1970.  When we started, we were in one little room donated by Harrisburg Hospital.  Now we're 85 employees with a state of the art 15,000 square foot facility in Hummelstown, have five branch offices,  and supply 140,000 blood products to thirteen hospitals.

Q:  You've managed a large nonprofit organization for many years.  What's been the single greatest challenge?

We're somewhat unique compared to many nonprofits, in that we don't rely on monetary donations for operating expenses.  But we DO rely on the public for our blood donations.  Our biggest challenge has been keeping the costs of our products as inexpensive as possible without sacrificing quality and keeping up with huge increases in blood usage.

Q: What piece of advice would you give a young manager of a nonprofit that you wish you knew when you started?

I'd tell them that they need to run their nonprofit like a business.  Don't get preoccupied with that word – "nonprofit".  Managing a successful organization has less to do with "nonprofit" rules, and more to do with providing excellent management.  If you take the best lessons of management from the corporate world and apply them to your organization, you'll build something special.  And at the end of every day you'll know that you did it for a meaningful mission.

Q: What's changed the most about medicine and blood donation in the thirty plus years you've worked at the Blood Bank?

The major change in blood banking has been increased federal regulation.  The emphasis has been on safety.  Screening of potential donors has become much more personal and thorough and we are doing many more tests on the blood before transfusing it.  This eliminates many donors but it does assure the safety and quality of the blood supply.

The biggest change in health care in general has been increased competition and the emphasis on cost.

Q: You are in a unique position to gauge the willingness of people in the community to give of themselves.  How has that changed over the past thirty years?

Asking someone to give their blood is very different than asking them to give some money.  It's a personal thing, even if it is a very simple process.  We see firsthand the difference people can make – literally saving thousands of lives each year - right here in our community.  It's part of our culture to help each other here in Central PA.  Whenever we ask, the community responds.  That's a constant.

Q: What comes next for Jim Cooper?  And for the Blood Bank?

For this summer I plan to just work around the house, catch up on some reading and spend time at our condo in State College.  Later, my wife, Wendy, and I plan to do some traveling.  I especially look forward to spending time with our four grandchildren.  I will also be doing volunteer work with some community organizations and work on some special projects for the Blood Bank.

As for the Blood Bank, its future is bright! Patrick Bradley is assuming the position of president/CEO and will do a great job.  Central Penn Blood Bank's strongest asset has always been its management team.  I am confident that the Blood Bank will continue to grow.

Q: You've worked with McKonly & Asbury since we opened our doors in 1973.  What has that been like?  How have you seen us change?  How are we the same?

Henry McKonly was our accountant when we got started, and I've been working with Clarence Asbury from the beginning too.  Every single member of your team that we've worked with over the years has learned from their legacy.  They got to know our business, and they always brought a strong work ethic to our engagement.  It's been great to see the firm grow over the years , and just as we have, to be rewarded for that approach to service.  And I've always been impressed with the firm's devotion to the community.  It's been a fun ride together!

Jim will be missed in his retirement, but we expect to continue to hear from him as he helps spread the word about the importance of Central PA Blood Bank's mission.  We are extraordinarily proud to have helped him to build a lasting legacy to help our community.  You can learn more about the Blood Bank by visiting http://www.cpbb.org/. 

And please, Give Blood!

Read the Patriot News' profile of Jim's retirement here:  http://www.pennlive.com/patriotnews/stories/index.ssf?/base/news/1181434217238670.xml&coll=1