CONNECTING CENTRAL TEXAS MILITARY FAMILIES

One World Theater and the American Red Cross of Central Texas partner for special program

 

One World, Austin's largest multi-cultural arts-in-education outreach organization and the American Red Cross of Central Texas have teamed up to create a very special program for the benefit of the children of military families who are faced with the challenges of having one or more deployed parent. Entitled, "A World Apart, a Moment Together," the program centers around One World's innovative performing arts summer camp program. Scholarships provided by One World and the American Red Cross of Central Texas have been given to 20 kids, ages 5-18, for the opportunity to be a part of a dynamic, full-length musical production of “Beauty Lou & The Country Beast.” The program is sponsored by BAE Systems.

The camp began on Monday, June 8, and will culminate with the musical’s performance on Saturday, June 13, at 12pm. Media are invited to attend the Saturday performance.

Campers will be given the rare opportunity to display their new talents on the One World stage, with a special twist.

Through a partnership with LifeSize, Austin's premier video conferencing development company and the international network of the American Red Cross of Central Texas, the overseas parent may be able to see their child in real-time as they perform, and the child may be able to see the pride on their parent's face as naturally as if they were in the actual audience. At the end of the performance, each child and their family may be given the opportunity to interact with their deployed loved one privately. Thanks to LifeSize, families may be connected to up to four different locations around the world for an experience that is both global and highly personal at the same time. 

“So many of our Central Texas military members are on multiple deployments and have missed out on a lot of special moments in their children’s lives,” says Michael Chaisson, Manager of Service to Military Families for Texas for the American Red Cross. “This is a chance to bring them closer to home.”

BAE TASTE OF DIVERSITY

BAE Systems' volunteer organizations (CARE (Community Action and Recreational Events) committee, the Austin Diversity Council, and ACEs committee) hosted "Taste of Diversity" and invited us to come participate and enjoy food, great employees and a great culture. Proceeds raised from the event will go to the American Red Cross and the 3d Cavalry Association. Thank you, BAE!

Picture below are Red Cross staff members Steve Hailey, Debbie Immel; BAE staff Julie Wu and Jolee Pekarek; Red Cross staff Sinclair Fleetwood and Melissa Gray.

STEVE HAILEY NAMED NEW DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

Welcome Steve J. Hailey! In Mr. Hailey's role as Director of Emergency Services, he is responsible for carrying out the mission of the Red Cross to provide relief to victims of disaster and to help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Mr. Hailey has over 20+ years of progressive experience in the public safety and disaster recovery arena. 

After beginning his career as a flight medic and eventually becoming a firefighter he most recently consulted for multiple federal, state, and local public safety agencies and organizations. His prior experience includes working for Avaya, Inc. as the Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response. Prior to joining Avaya, Mr. Hailey held information technology and disaster technology management positions with the American Red Cross national headquarters. 

Mr. Hailey has been on-site on over 50 domestic disasters to include Hurricane Andrew, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and multiple airplane crashes. In addition, he has a few international assignments to his credit to include Hurricane Mitch in Nicaragua and Typhoon Reming in the Philippines as part of the IFRC (International Federation Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) Emergency Response Unit. 

He is published in 911 Magazine, Mission Critical Communications, and served as a subject matter expert for the “Business Continuity for Dummies” guidebook. Please help us in welcoming Mr. Hailey and his family to Austin, Texas.

ELAINE ACKER NAMED NEW CEO FOR CENTRAL TEXAS CHAPTER

Outgoing CEO Derrick Chubbs Selected as Division Vice President for American Red Cross, West Gulf Region

The Board of Directors of the American Red Cross of Central Texas has voted unanimously to name Elaine Acker as the organization’s CEO to replace Derrick Chubbs, who has been appointed Division Vice President for the American National Red Cross. Ms. Acker is a familiar face in the community, having served as the Chapter’s primary spokesperson for the past year in her role as Director of Development and Communications. She also founded Pets America in 2005 and successfully collaborated with nonprofit organizations, state and local agencies, and emergency management officials to promote pet-friendly sheltering options in disasters.

In his new position, Derrick Chubbs will be responsible for management of operations in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi. As a member of the American National Red Cross executive team, he will provide strategic vision, planning and direction to Regional Executives.

“Central Texas has raised the bar for the American Red Cross, demonstrating outstanding creativity and innovation, and forging strong partnerships,” said Jerry DeFrancisco, American Red Cross President of Humanitarian Services. “Given the achievements that have been accomplished in Central Texas, we’re thrilled to have Derrick working on our national team.”

For the past two and a half years, Chubbs has also served as the Texas State Relations Representative for the 25 Red Cross chapters throughout the state on legislative and government relations issues. Prior to joining the Red Cross, Chubbs had a successful 20-year career in the corporate technology sector, including roles as Area Manager for Dell International Services; Director of Worldwide Client Services for Pervasive Software; and senior leadership positions with IBM including Senior Manager for IBM Global Services.

While Chubbs’ Red Cross territory has expanded, he will continue to reside in Austin, Texas, and maintain an office at the Central Texas Chapter.

“Elaine and I have both seen the tremendous difference the American Red Cross makes in the lives of the military personnel, students, and disaster clients we serve,” said Chubbs. “The American Red Cross is making important changes nationwide and we are both honored to have the opportunity to serve in these new roles.”

COW (CAREER ON WHEELS) DAY FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

Red Cross is delighted to participate for the past several years in this event, a unique approach to career awareness for students as they prepare to go to school with purpose. COW Day is part Achieve Texas, an initiative to provide career awareness to 2000 students at the elementary level. Staff member Amber Cooney partnered with volunteer Jim Dixon to education the kids about the Red Cross. Photos by Courtney Dudley.

 

LYNDSAY JOLLEY, GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK!

We'll miss our longtime employee, Lyndsay Jolley, as she heads to Paraguay for a Peace Corps assignment. Plus, we'll miss Precious, our unofficial office mascot!
 

THANKS ALPHA TAU OMEGA!

Thank you to our friends at the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity for supporting the Red Cross!