Media Contact: Martin Gagliano
Telephone: (669) 209-5266
nccrpublicaffairs@redcross.org  

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. Aug. 21, 2024 — The Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Central Coast Chapter welcomes their newest elected members to the board.

These new board members bring diverse experiences to this leadership body, including decades of experience in government administration, project management, technology and the United States military. The newly elected board members are: 

• Chris Bourquin - Chief of Police; Del Rey Oaks
• Deborah Hansen - Co-owner, Electro Scan Inc
• Ed Sanchez - Retired Colonel US Air Force
• Sarah Weigelt - Health Care Administrator
• Howard Yancey - Environmental Protection (retired)
   

The following officers will lead the Central Coast Chapter Board during the 2024-2025 fiscal year: 

• Megan Erk - Board Chair; Volunteer Partner to CEO; San Jose Jr. Sharks (retired)
• John Cromwell - Board Vice Chair - GrowthPoint Technology (retired)
• Lorinda Mazza, DNP - Board Secretary; Nurse Practitioner
• Lee Hedgepeth - Community Engagement/Mission Committee; Attorney (retired)
   

During the past fiscal year, Red Cross board members and volunteers in the Central Coast Chapter responded to 51 local disasters, providing care, comfort, and hope to those affected; installed more than hundreds of free smoke alarms to make families safer; taught lifesaving skills like first aid, water safety skills, CPR and AED trainings to more than 5,000 residents; and assisted 276 members of the armed forces, veterans and their families.

"I am honored to present our Chapter Board of Directors for this fiscal year. Their collective experience and dedication will be crucial in enhancing our services and reaching more people in need," says Michele Averill, CEO of the American Red Cross Central Coast Chapter.

About American Red Cross of the Central Coast

With offices in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties, 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, visit our website at redcross.org/centralcoast or call us at (831) 624-6921. You may also find us on Facebook.

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