CEO UPDATE - JULY 14TH

From Elaine Acker, CEO

Good afternoon, everyone, iIt’s great to be back in Austin, although I have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed the awesome weather in both D.C. and Seattle.

D.C. Trip
Judge Shepperd, Derrick Chubbs and I had a very productive trip to D.C. We, along with the other regional chapter CEOs and board chairs from our division, spent a half day with Gail McGovern, the Red Cross CEO, and another half day brainstorming the future of the national Red Cross. I feel really good about the time spent there and I know we’ll continue to see positive changes as the Red Cross tackles its financial challenges and transitions to a better business model.

KUT Features Babysitter’s Boot Camp
The  Education and Training department is working with the Development & Communications staff to raise visibility about classes. We’ve gotten a great response to the Babysitter’s Boot Camp, and here’s the link to the piece that ran on KUT: http://kut.org/items/show/17460. Excellent coverage!

Welcome Diane Ventresca, Director of Development & Communications
Diane Ventresca is in the house, so we now have a fully staffed Development & Communications department. Welcome, Diane!

Update from Williamson County
Marty has been knocking on lots of doors in Williamson County, and they’re opening! Here’s a quick update from Marty:

• On Monday evening I will meet with a group of 18 neighborhood association leaders to talk about how they can be involved with the Red Cross and to explain how the CASHP works during a hurricane evacuation.
• On Tuesday Steve Hailey and I will meet with the leadership of a citizen volunteer group organized through the Georgetown Police Department.  They also are interested in the role of the Red Cross in local disaster and how they can work with us.
• On Wednesday our new Development director will spend the day in Georgetown to review our Development plan and learn how Williamson County can begin to play a bigger role.
• Later this week I will work with a two large neighborhood associations to help plan a welcome home to more than 500 troops.  We are planning a giant barbeque. These same associations will soon be training their Neighborhood Watch group (more than 100 people) in CPR & first aid through our chapter.
• Finally, on Saturday, Elaine & I will team teach the Red Cross Public Affairs class.  This is the first time this class has been taught at our chapter in several years.

Parking Lot Re-striped
Thanks a million to volunteer Homer Johnson who arranged to have our parking lot re-striped. It looks GREAT! The parking lot striping was donated to the chapter by Bob at B&B Pavement Markings.  Thanks to both Homer for arranging and Bob for the generous donation!

Don’t forget
The Volunteer Recognition event and annual meeting is scheduled for 4 pm on August 23 at the Dell Diamond. If you haven’t already done so, please RSVP and let us know how many from your family will be attending!  acooney@centex.redcross.org

Until next week…

EANES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESENTS

Enjoy this video from late 2008, featuring student council president Ross McDonald and vice president Julian Oliveras presenting a donation to former CEO Derrick Chubbs.

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.”