By: Pooja Klebig

What brought you to the Red Cross?

“Like many Red Crossers, it was the mission that drew me in. My parents were school teachers who instilled in me the value of giving back and serving the community. While the hospitality industry sparked my spirit to serve, I found myself yearning to make a deeper impact. At the Red Cross, I’ve found the fulfillment I was seeking and a place where purpose and service truly align.”

If you could describe our region’s volunteers and staff in three words, what would they be and why?

“Resilient, passionate, inspirational. Our volunteers and staff are resilient in the face of challenges, always rising to meet the moment with strength and determination. We are passionate about our mission, bringing heart and energy to everything we do. And are truly inspirational—the dedication and compassion motivate others to get involved and make a difference.”

When you need a spark of inspiration, what do you turn to?

“When I need a spark of inspiration, I turn to family time and preferably something active and outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, biking, or just playing together, being outside with loved ones helps me reset, refocus, and reconnect with what matters most.”

What are you most excited about serving in this role?

“I’m most excited about the opportunity to serve our incredible volunteers and employees across all lines of service, while deepening our connection with the community. In Biomed, it’s a privilege to be able to donate blood considering that only about half the population is eligible to give. But what inspires me even more is that the Red Cross as a whole offers a way for everyone to contribute. Whether through disaster response, training, making a financial contribution, service to the armed forces, community outreach, and/or donating blood there’s a place for everyone to make a meaningful impact.”

If you could instantly master any talent, what would it be and why?

“If I could instantly master any talent, it would be fluency in other languages. Language is such a powerful connector as it opens doors to deeper relationships, broader understanding, and more inclusive service. Being able to communicate effortlessly across cultures would enhance both personal and professional impact, especially in a mission-driven organization like the Red Cross.”

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received that guides you in your leadership?

“Probably not a surprise that one of the most impactful pieces of leadership advice I’ve received comes from Gail McGovern, our former President and CEO, who continues to be a guiding influence for me. Years ago, I wrote down five tips she shared for effective leadership, and I still reference them regularly:
 

1. Attract, retain, and motivate the best people
2. Be inclusive and create missionaries
3. Listen generously, communicate incessantly
4. Embrace change, admit mistakes, and course correct quickly
5. Lead from both the heart and the head

These principles have shaped how I lead – with intention, empathy, and a commitment to continuous growth.”

What activities or hobbies do you most enjoy?

“Some of the activities I enjoy most are active sports including but not limited to parenting, snowboarding, skiing, climbing, biking, and obstacle course racing.”

If you had to choose a theme song for your career, what would it be?

“If I had to choose a theme song for my career, it would be Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson. The message of personal accountability and the power of individual action deeply resonates with me. It’s a reminder that real change starts from within and that by reflecting, growing, and stepping up, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

To learn more about Justin’s appointment to the new role, check out our press release on our website.