Edgar R. Olivo: Leading the American Red Cross with Dedication and Vision for Resilience
Edgar R. Olivo is the Regional Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross for the Arizona and New Mexico region. Renowned for his dedication to economic prosperity and social equality, Edgar brings extensive experience from his roles serving government, business, and non-profit sectors. His leadership is pivotal in strengthening community resilience across Arizona and New Mexico, especially in the face of the global climate crisis and the unique challenges it poses to his region.
At the core of Edgar's work is building resilience in communities to address challenges like heatwaves, wildfires, home fires, and other disasters. Under his leadership, the Red Cross has expanded efforts in Service to the Armed Forces, International Services, volunteer recruitment, and community mobilization.
Since stepping into his role, Edgar has responded to significant disasters, including wildfires, tornados, home fires, and floods. His team's quick and effective actions have provided vital support to affected communities, ensuring they receive shelter, food, and medical assistance promptly.
Edgar's background in sustainability and business development further strengthens his strategic approach. As the founder of Compass CBS Foundation, he supported small businesses during the pandemic by offering training and resources in English and Spanish, helping them secure crucial funding.
Edgar is also a National Spokesperson for Spanish media for the American Red Cross. For many years, he hosted bilingual podcasts and shared his expertise with local and national audiences. His influence extends to media, where he shared his knowledge through Spanish-language business content, reaching audiences nationwide.
In his commitment to social justice, Edgar serves on the boards of various organizations supporting education, cultural enrichment, and LGBTQ causes. Born in Arizona to Mexican immigrant parents, Edgar's dedication to community service is deeply personal. He and his husband are passionate about exploring the natural and cultural history of the region. Edgar's leadership at the American Red Cross exemplifies his commitment to alleviating human suffering and promoting community resilience.
