Jeffrey T. Towers Joins Red Cross as Chief Development Officer

WASHINGTON, Monday, March 17, 2008 — The American Red Cross today announced that Jeffrey T. Towers, a veteran fundraiser with more than 25 years experience in the non-profit sector, will become Chief Development Officer for the organization. In this role, Towers will be responsible for the overall fund-raising efforts of the charity, including that of its more than 700 chapters.

Jeffrey T. Towers Joins Red Cross as Chief Development Officer

"Jeff's experience and proven success in disaster and sustainable fundraising will bring great benefits to the Red Cross and the people we serve," said Acting President and CEO, Mary S. Elcano. "With his leadership, I'm confident we will continue to grow in our ability to harness the good will and generosity of the American public for the benefit of people in times of crisis."

"I'm delighted with this opportunity to join the devoted staff and dedicated volunteers of the Red Cross," said Towers. "There isn't a household in America that hasn't benefited in some way from the important work of the Red Cross, including mine. And the international work of the Red Cross is critically important as well. I'm eager to put my professional experience to good use in advancing the life-saving mission of this national treasure."

Towers served the last six years at the United States Fund for UNICEF in New York City, most recently as Senior Vice President for Marketing, Development and Communications. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports the work of the United Nations Children's Fund by raising funds for its programs and increasing awareness of the challenges facing the world's children. During his tenure at the U.S. Fund, total income grew from $218 million in 2002 to $372.4 million in 2007. As Vice President for Development when the South Asia Tsunami struck in December 2004, Mr. Towers led the U.S. Fund's fundraising response that raised over $137 million in cash in 15 weeks.

Prior to the United States Fund for UNICEF, Towers served as Executive Vice President at Public Interest Data, Inc. in Alexandria, Va., a company that provides database management services for many of America's largest charities. He also has held executive fundraising positions at Trans World Radio, Peale Center, American Bible Society and Nyack College.

A graduate of Messiah College and Philadelphia Theological Seminary, Towers is married to Lisa Roemer and is the father of five children: Nathanael, Benjamin, Andrew, Adam and Hannah.

Towers will start with the American Red Cross on May 5, 2008.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.