The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region proudly announces the retirement of Joanne Nowlin, Regional Chief Executive Officer, after an extraordinary 36-year career dedicated to humanitarian service, and the appointment of Jacquelyn Clites as the new Regional Chief Executive Officer, effective December 15.

Joanne Nowlin has been a cornerstone of the Red Cross for more than three decades, leaving an enduring legacy of leadership, compassion, and resilience. Since joining the Los Angeles Region in 2020, Joanne has guided the organization through unprecedented challenges, including the historic California Wildfires of 2025, while ensuring critical services for more than 10 million residents across five chapters. Her tenure also included strengthening diversity and inclusion initiatives and building a culture of collaboration among staff and volunteers.

“Serving the Los Angeles Region has been one of the greatest honors of my career. This community’s resilience, diversity, and spirit have inspired me every day. I am deeply grateful to our incredible volunteers, staff, and partners who make the Red Cross mission possible. Together, we’ve faced challenges and brought hope to millions, and I will always carry these experiences and relationships with me as I begin this next chapter,” said Joanne Nowlin, Chief Executive Officer Los Angeles Region.

As Joanne prepares to retire, we celebrate her remarkable contributions and reassure our communities that the Red Cross remains strong and committed to its mission. Joanne will work closely with incoming CEO Jacquelyn Clites to ensure a smooth transition and continued excellence in service.

Jacquelyn Clites brings deep experience and proven leadership to her new role. Since joining the American Red Cross in 2011, Jacquie has served in key positions, including Gift Planning Officer for the San Diego Region, Senior Gift Planning Officer for Los Angeles and Pacific Islands, and later as Gift Planning Director managing teams across multiple divisions. She has held interim leadership roles as Regional Executive for South Florida and Chief Development Officer in Virginia, and most recently served as Regional Executive for the Gold Country Region, where she delivered exceptional results and drove culture change through a new vision statement shaped by workforce feedback. Jacquie also completed the prestigious Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program in 2022 and serves as Co-Chair of the Women in Philanthropy Board Engagement Workgroup. Recognized for her strategic leadership and collaborative approach, Jacquie is deeply committed to advancing the Red Cross mission through workforce empowerment, donor engagement, and community partnerships.

Please join us in honoring Joanne’s incredible 36 years of service and welcoming Jacquie as she leads the Los Angeles Region into its next chapter of humanitarian impact.

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.

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