Bringing her financial expertise and experience, Susan Barnes is the Chief Financial Officer at Thrive Services Group, and Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona. In her role at Thrive, Barnes’ responsibilities include leading the financial aspects of Thrive’s various companies as well as implementing strategic financing instruments to enable the company’s continued growth.

Barnes previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Vitalant (formerly known as Blood Systems, Inc.) for 27 years. In that role, she directed all activities related to finance, risk management, and supply chain for the $1.3 billion nationwide nonprofit organization. Along with leading their merger/acquisition/integration activities, she was involved in creating the company’s offshore captive insurance company, Canyon State Insurance Company, and handling the financial responsibilities of the organization’s various affiliates and joint ventures.

Barnes holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University. She was named Financial Executives International’s Non-Profit CFO of the Year in 2016 and served on the Board of The Foundation for Blind Children for nine years, including three years as its President and Chair. Barnes also is the Chair of the Board of the Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corporation (“PCDIC”) and Advisory Committee.