Jim Havens, Director of Operations

---

Carter BloodCare came to Central Texas during the summer of 2001, when Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center and Providence Health System in Waco requested help to alleviate regional blood shortages. Thus, Carter BloodCare became the sole provider of blood products to the Waco community. The first mobile collections began in Waco that summer. As demand continued to increase, the need for a donor center in Waco became apparent, and the Waco Donor Center opened in November of 2002. As the need for blood throughout Central Texas increased, so did the counties and hospitals Carter BloodCare serves. Carter BloodCare in Central Texas now provides blood to 16 healthcare facilities which span over 11 counties in addition to McLennan County.

Jim Havens, Director of Operations for Carter BloodCare Central Texas, has not only seen the Central Texas operation grow from the very beginning, but has also played a vital role in causing the growth. When Mr. Havens arrived in Waco eight years ago to begin building the Carter BloodCare Central Texas operation he called a hotel room at a local hotel his office, and had a small group of three employees. Through Mr. Havens’ hard work, dedication, and leadership he has watched his staff grow from that small group of three to almost 50 employees today.

Carter BloodCare Central Texas recently acquired a piece of property to build a new campus. This will bring Carter BloodCare’s three different operational locations in Waco all to one single location. Mr. Havens has come a long way from his so called hotel room office to watching the new campus that will be built in the future. Thus, Mr. Havens continues to build Carter BloodCare Central Texas from the ground up. If it had not been for Mr. Havens’ determination in putting himself out in the community to develop relationships with local business people and his belief in saving lives in Central Texas, Carter BloodCare Central Texas would not be the organization that it is today.