American Red Cross National Headquarters President to Visit Lehigh Valley
News Release: February 25, 2005
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
Marsha (Marty) J. Evans, president and CEO of American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, D.C., will visit the Lehigh Valley on March 23, 2005.
“We are absolutely thrilled that President Evans has chosen to come to the Lehigh Valley. It is quite the honor and such a privilege,” said John R. Hughes, executive director of the local Red Cross Chapter. “Evans’s visit is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and employees and the tremendous support by our community at the local and national Red Cross level.
“Most recently, our community donated nearly $850,000 to the tsunami relief efforts and more than $140,000 for the hurricane relief efforts last fall,” Hughes said. “Our Chapter has been selected to help launch several Red Cross pilot projects over the last couple years and we work closely with national headquarters on testing of new software programs to create a more efficient and cost-effective national organization. Evans’s presence during March is Red Cross Month highlights, in the most visible fashion, the value that Red Cross brings to our community.”
Evans will speak at a community breakfast on March 23, from 7:30 - 9 a.m., at The Gateway Conference Center, Holiday Inn-Route 512 in Bethlehem. The public is invited. Cost is $12 per person for the sit-down meal. Reserved tables of eight are also available. To make a reservation, call (610) 865-4400, ext. 210, by March 15.
Evans became president and chief executive officer of the American Red Cross on
Aug. 5, 2002. The Illinois native brings an impressive array of experience to her position, including a 29-year career with the U.S. Navy. In 1998, Evans retired as a two-star Rear Admiral, one of only a few women to reach this rank in the U.S. Navy’s history.
She assumed the top staff position at the Girl Scouts of the USA in January 1998, a natural continuation of her efforts to expand professional roles for women in the Navy. During her tenure, she labored to offer meaningful programs to young women in the areas of science, technology, money management, sports, and community service.
Since her arrival at the Red Cross, Evans has focused on the organization’s core mission of helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies of all types. She led the Red Cross in implementing a bold, new initiative, Together We Prepare. With five simple steps – make a plan, build a kit, get trained, give blood, and volunteer – this initiative empowers Americans of all ages to prepare themselves, their homes, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods for the unexpected.
Throughout her career, Evans has received various honors, awards, and accolades. Most recently, Evans was presented the 2003 American Women Award from the Women’s Research and Education Institute, as well as named a 2003 Woman of Distinction, adding her name to a roster of distinguished past recipients, including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Phyllis George. A 1979-80 White House Fellow, Evans was also awarded the prestigious 2002 John W. Gardner Legacy of Leadership Award by the White House Fellows Association.
The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 20,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.
Marsha (Marty) J. Evans, president and CEO of American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, D.C., will visit the Lehigh Valley on March 23, 2005.