COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 6, 2026) — The American Red Cross of Southern Colorado proudly announces the appointment of Heidi Richmond as its new executive director, ushering in a new era of leadership and community impact.

As executive director, Richmond will lead a dedicated staff and volunteer team serving 22 counties in southern Colorado and headquartered in Colorado Springs. Services include disaster relief and preparedness; support for military members and their families; lifesaving CPR and first aid training; international services; and blood collection.

"Serving as executive director for the Red Cross of Southern Colorado is the honor of a lifetime," Richmond said. "I'm delighted for the opportunity to connect, support and serve."

Before joining the Red Cross, Richmond served as executive director of Almost There Rescue in Phoenix, Arizona, where she guided the organization through significant growth by enhancing programs, strengthening operations and building a culture rooted in service and accountability. Her work has also included mobilizing emergency meal efforts during Arizona's statewide teacher walkout and advocating on Capitol Hill for global food security and women's economic opportunity.

Richmond's connection to the Red Cross mission is deeply personal. Following World War II, the Red Cross helped reunite her grandmother with her family in war-torn Europe after years of believing they might never see each other again. As a young person, she learned CPR through the Red Cross, reinforcing a lesson that has stayed with her ever since: We never know when someone will need us, but we can choose to be ready when they do.

Richmond earned a Mini Master of Business Administration for Nonprofit Organizations degree from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and an undergraduate degree from Arizona State University.

For more information, visit https://www.redcross.org/Colorado and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

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 visit us on social media.