Red Cross SW Chapter welcomes new executive director

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Dennis Rugg has been named executive director of the American Red Cross Southwest Washington Chapter.

Rugg will oversee day-to-day chapter business, volunteer engagement, community partnerships and fundraising in Pacific, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, Skamania and Klickitat counties.

As a member of the board of directors for the Southwest Washington Chapter for nine years, Rugg participated in many aspects of the organization’s service delivery including disaster response, volunteer support, sponsor cultivation and donor stewardship. During fiscal year 2013-2014, he served as board chair and actively led the group through the chapter’s Real Heroes Breakfast signature fundraising event.

Rugg comes to the Red Cross with more than 20 years of experience in the field of finance and accounting, and brings extensive knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, operational systems and business management, most recently with Garrow Equity, LLC.

“Strong leadership skills and business acumen make Dennis a strong asset to the Red Cross,” said Amy Shlossman, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Cascades Region which encompasses Oregon and Southwest Washington. “His long history with the organization underscores his commitment and passion for our mission.”



In addition to his active engagement with the American Red Cross, Rugg has current or prior involvement with other community partners including Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital Foundation, the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, Evergreen High School and Washington State University Alumni Association. 

“I look forward to promoting understanding of and encouraging community participation in the many programs and opportunities that exist with the American Red Cross,” Rugg said. “It is an honor to work for an organization that touches so many lives each and every day.”

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.