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President Bush Appoints New Chair of American Red Cross
WASHINGTON, Friday, June 18, 2004 — President George W. Bush, Honorary Chairman of the American Red Cross, today named Bonnie McElveen-Hunter as the new Chair of one of the nation's oldest and most trusted humanitarian organizations.
The Chair of the American Red Cross is the principal officer of the corporation and serves as chair of the organization's corporate governance leaders, the Board of Governors. The Chair is the top volunteer position in the organization. McElveen-Hunter's appointment marks the first time a woman has been named to this position.
In a letter to McElveen-Hunter recognizing her philanthropic accomplishments earlier this year, President Bush said, "Your hard work and leadership have helped those in need and strengthened our nation," adding, "I am grateful for your friendship and for your dedicated service to your community and to America."
McElveen-Hunter is founder and CEO of Pace Communications, Inc., the largest custom publishing company in the nation serving an array of Fortune 500 companies including AT&T Wireless, Delta Air Lines, NCR Corporation, Toyota, United Airlines and US Airways along with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Carlson Hospitality Group and IGA. The former diplomat, long-time philanthropist and charitable-cause activist assumes the post on June 17, succeeding David McLaughlin who is retiring after three years of service.
"I am honored and humbled to accept the position as Chair of the American Red Cross," said McElveen-Hunter. "I look forward to working in close cooperation with Marty Evans, President and CEO of the American Red Cross and an extraordinary leader, for whom I have great respect and admiration. My goal is to partner with Marty and the very capable and hardworking Board of Governors to support the 1.3 million volunteers and 32,000 employees who work tirelessly and to create and maintain a vital safety net for those in times of trouble."
"I personally pledge," McElveen-Hunter added, "to use all of my talent and energy to ensure that the American Red Cross has the direction and resources needed to ease the pain of human suffering and respond to victims at home and abroad--honoring the original vision of Clara Barton."
Evans said, "Bonnie's vision, management skills and record in public service make her the ideal American Red Cross Chair. By working together with our Board of Governors, the Red Cross will reach our goals and objectives and take the organization to a new level of performance." She added, "I would be remiss if I did not publicly thank David McLaughlin for helping guide the Red Cross during a period that included the September 11, 2001 attacks and the unprecedented relief operation mounted by the Red Cross in response. We wish him and his family the best."
"Bonnie is one of the nation's most successful entrepreneurs, yet she always finds time to give back to the community," commented Elaine Lyerly, a leading member of the American Red Cross Board of Governors and the President/CEO of Lyerly Agency, Inc., a public relations firm in Charlotte, N.C. "I have seen how her management and organizational skills are exceeded only by her passion for charity—for example, when she personally hosted the largest single fundraiser in the history of Habitat for Humanity."
McElveen-Hunter served as U.S. Ambassador to Finland from 2001-2003, during which time the President of Finland awarded her the Commander Grand Cross of the Order of the Lion for humanitarian work involving the advancement of entrepreneurship, child protection and health initiatives. In addition to her pioneering achievements in the field of publishing, McElveen-Hunter is a leader in charitable causes and organizations, giving generously of her time and resources. She has served as a member of the International Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity, chaired the Alexis de Tocqueville Society and served on the United Way of America Board as a member of its National Leadership Council. She is a founder of the United Way Billion Dollar National Women's Leadership Initiative.
A graduate of Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, McElveen-Hunter lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, with her husband, Bynum Merritt Hunter, an attorney. They have a 21-year old son who is a senior at Williams College.
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
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