Media Contact: Taylor Poisall
(559) 513-1656 | taylor.poisall2@redcross.org

FRESNO, MARCH 11 —The American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter is proud to announce that Mary Bastos, Jeffie Esparza Hickman, Nikki Henry, Kevin James, Kathy Laird, Andy Paras, Vanessa Puopolo and Paul Salazar have officially joined the board of directors serving the Central Valley Chapter. The new additions have been onboarded over the last 6 months and will each serve a minimum 3-year term.

“We are delighted to welcome these community leaders to our Board of Directors,” said Lori Wilson, Executive Director, Central Valley Chapter. “Their breadth of experience in such a variety of fields will be an amazing asset as we continue our work to deliver help to those in need around the Central Valley.”

“We are honored to have a Board of such committed community leaders and are excited to welcome these new members to our team,” said Jordan Scott, Board Chair, American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter. “Their passion for the mission and service delivery of the Red Cross — from emergency preparation to disaster relief, first aid and CPR training and support for service members and their families –  is a reflection of their dedication to giving back and supporting our communities when and where it's most needed."

ABOUT MARY BASTOS
Mary Bastos is a dedicated nonprofit leader and humanitarian with more than a decade of experience in disaster response, community engagement and media relations. A long-time Red Cross volunteer, she has held numerous leadership roles, including Community Volunteer Leader, Spanish Spokesperson, Latino Engagement Team Leader, and Disaster Recovery Caseworker. She has deployed to several major disasters across the country and has served during dozens of disasters throughout the Central Valley. Whether presenting preparedness resources at the Mexican Consulate, supporting veterans at the Fresno VA Hospital, assisting families after home fires, or installing free smoke alarms for Spanish-speaking neighbors, Mary is known for her empathy, reliability and commitment to meeting people where they are when it matters most.

ABOUT JEFFIE ESPARZA HICKMAN
Jeffie Esparza Hickman is the Superintendent/Principal of University High School, a nationally ranked charter school on the Fresno State campus. She is the first woman and first person of color to lead UHS, guiding a school recognized as one of California’s top high schools. Jeffie brings more than 30 years of experience in education — spanning teaching, coaching, student activities, athletics administration and district leadership. A proud mother of two, she describes leading University High as a dream come true and is deeply committed to academic excellence and student success.

ABOUT NIKKI HENRY
Nikki Henry is a community-focused executive leader with broad experience in public service, organizational strategy, and nonprofit governance. Most recently, she served as Chief Communications Officer for a major Central Valley public education system, leading districtwide strategy in communications, family engagement and organizational culture. Her work centers on building trust, strengthening partnerships and helping complex organizations stay aligned around their most important priorities. Nikki has also served on multiple boards and commissions dedicated to housing, education and community wellbeing. She is honored to support the Red Cross mission of preparedness, response and resilience.

ABOUT KEVIN JAMES
Kevin James is the Vice President of Impact for United Way Fresno and Madera Counties, where he oversees programming focused on economic mobility, social care coordination and capacity building. With more than a decade of experience in strategic planning, training and program evaluation, Kevin has supported nonprofit and government agencies nationwide. His background includes leadership roles in Minnesota local government and extensive work in equity-based strategy, community partnerships and restorative-justice initiatives. A lifelong learner with Panamanian and Jamaican heritage, he brings a culturally rich perspective to community-driven projects and is currently training for a pilot’s license.

ABOUT KATHY LAIRD
Kathy Laird is the Low Vision Clinic Manager at Valley Center for the Blind, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with low vision and blindness. A Certified Ophthalmic Technician with more than 25 years in ophthalmology, Kathy specializes in helping clients identify tools and technologies that support functional vision. Throughout her years in Fresno, she has supported several nonprofits, including the Lively Arts Foundation and the American Heart Association. Her career reflects a strong commitment to vision health, patient advocacy, and community service.

ABOUT ANDY PARAS
Andy Paras serves as News Director for KSEE24 and CBS47 in Fresno and brings nearly 30 years of experience in journalism. A graduate of Ball State University, Andy spent much of his career as an award-winning reporter and digital media innovator in South Carolina before transitioning to newsroom leadership roles, including five years as a news director in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is passionate about storytelling, local news and community engagement and is proud to contribute his skills in service to the Red Cross mission.

ABOUT VANESSA PUOPOLO
Vanessa Puopolo is Vice President of Visit Fresno County and an experienced leader in destination marketing, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement. With more than 15 years in the tourism and hospitality sector, she holds CDME and CHIA certifications and plays a prominent role in statewide tourism research as Vice Chair of the Visit California Research Committee. Vanessa is deeply connected to the Fresno community through roles with the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, Hinds Hospice, Ronald McDonald House, Leadership Fresno and the American Red Cross. She is passionate about service that is measurable, mission-aligned and grounded in meaningful community impact.

ABOUT PAUL SALAZAR
Paul Salazar is a Fresno native and seasoned mortgage professional with 26 years of experience, known for his honesty, integrity and strong community values. He holds both an NMLS and California Real Estate License and is an Affiliate Member of the Fresno Association of Realtors. Deeply committed to service, Paul chairs the After-Hours Committee for Downtown Fresno Rotary, leading member recruitment and community outreach. For 10 years, he also served as President and Coach of Lions Baseball Little League, helping shape young athletes — some of whom later reached the Major Leagues.

CELEBRATE RED CROSS MONTH During our Red Cross Month celebration in March, we honor how people today deliver support when help can’t wait. The work of these leaders and community members across our community will be on display at the Central Valley Heroes Awards on March 19 at The Grand 1401. Tickets are on sale to celebrate the everyday extraordinary and raise funds to support the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross at redcross.org/CVheroes.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.