HemaCare Corp. said Friday that Judi Irving has resigned as president and chief executive to pursue other opportunities. The move is effective immediately.

Irving will be replaced by Julian Steffenhagen, who will serve as interim CEO while the Los Angeles-based biotech company searches for a replacement.

Irving was appointed president and chief executive in 2002. Prior to joining the company, she was president and CEO of Health Net of Arizona and Health Net of Oregon. She also served as chief financial officer for the Western Region of Prudential Healthcare.

Shares in HemaCare were flat at $1.75 in afternoon trading Friday on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board.