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Blood Assurance is proud to welcome its new Senior Vice President of Operations, Garry D. Allison Jr.

Allison will oversee the nonprofit’s collections, community development, marketing, and recruitment efforts. He brings 20 years of experience in blood banking, and comes to Blood Assurance from the Alabama-Mississippi-Tennessee Region of the American Red Cross, where he most recently served as regional donor services executive for four years. He has held various other positions within the American Red Cross, including director of donor recruitment, and director of blood collections.

“Over the past two decades, I’ve had the good fortune of serving hospitals, blood drive sponsors, and their donors. I’ve seen first-hand how these donations save lives,” said Allison. “I’m honored to join Blood Assurance, and look forward to ensuring blood products continue to be available for our local patients.”

Allison received his M.S. from Oakland City University in Indiana, and a bachelor’s degree from Mid-Continent University in Kentucky. 

“Garry brings a wealth of knowledge to Blood Assurance,” said J.B. Gaskins, CEO of Blood Assurance. “He has a strong commitment to community, and a passion for increasing blood collections in our service area. We are lucky to have him, and look forward to seeing the organization’s operations thrive under his leadership.”

Allison resides in Davidson County with his wife, Drue, and son, Lucas. In his spare time, Allison teaches a class at CrossPoint Church, is active in Cub Scouts, and enjoys going to Titans, Predators and Nashville SC games.

Allison replaces former Blood Assurance Chief Operating Officer, Christopher Swafford, who departed the company in June to become the new president and CEO of Mississippi Blood Services.            

About Blood Assurance

Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving more than 70 health care facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky and North Carolina. Founded in 1972 as a joint effort of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council and the Chattanooga Jaycees, the mission of Blood Assurance is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every area patient in need.