CEO UPDATE FROM ELAINE ACKER

President of Humanitarian Services for the National American Red Cross visits Austin
Jerry DeFrancisco, President of Humanitarian Services for NHQ will be in Austin and will visit our Chapter next Wednesday, November 4. He REALLY wants to meet our staff and board members and we are looking forward to spending time with him during his visit!

Good News in Development!
We’ve had some good news on the Development front lately. We received a $5,000 grant from Temple Inland and a $79,000 grant from NHQ in support of Services to Armed Forces. Also, the IBM Race was October 19, and we received a $30,000 grant from the proceeds of the race. Thanks again to Sally Aiello and Wal-Mart for their additional $10,000 sponsorship!

Schlotzky’s and the Red Cross
Also, the Schlotzky’s promotion is still ongoing, so if anyone goes out for fast food, try to stop by Schlotzky’s and mention Red Cross so we’ll get a portion of the proceeds! Here’s a link with all the dates and locations.

Education & Training
The Education & Training team has been busy working on new marketing strategies for products, as well as our CPR, First Aid, and other courses. The latest accomplishment is a new online clothing store. If you want to check out a great selection of shirts, hats, fleece, and other items, click here!

Emergency Services
On the Emergency Services side, we’ve been busy as well. I’m dropping in the latest statistics below, but the statistics don’t really tell the story of the wonderful volunteers who are in the office or on the scene of emergencies almost every day. Sadly, a young musician died in one of the recent house fires, which you may have seen on the news. In addition to our Disaster Response Team, the Public information support was critical on this scene, because the other band members, who were also in the house at the time, desperately needed a buffer from the intense media attention. We were able to protect them and offer them the support they needed on what was undoubtedly one of the most difficult days of their young lives.

By the Numbers:

September Stats:
Single Family – 15
Multi Family – 3
59 people were displaced

Approx. $8311 client financial assistance

2 incidents in Bastrop County
8 incidents in Travis County
2 incidents in Burnett County
1 incident in Caldwell County
2 incidents in Milam County
2 incidents in Hays County

October Stats:
Single Family – 3
Multi Family – 3
25 people were displaced

Approx. $5019.55 client financial assistance

1 incident in Bastrop County
3 incidents in Travis County
1 incident in Burnett County

So that’s the latest! As always, send me anything you’d like to share and I’ll pass the word! - Elaine Acker, CEO

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.”