Patty Vargas is the Executive Director of the American Red Cross D.C. Chapter. She has more than 20 years in nonprofit and public service, leading humanitarian programs and community safety efforts. Before joining the Red Cross, she led regional work for USAID to expand access to justice, reduce violence and strengthen communities in Central America. She has worked in high-pressure settings, including post-coup Myanmar and conflict-affected areas of Pakistan, and received awards from USAID and the U.S. Department of State for leadership in crisis response.  

In Washington, D.C., Patty has long-standing ties to the civic and philanthropic community and is recognized for connecting people, programs and purpose. She is a published author on conflict and stabilization. Patty previously co-founded a youth leadership nonprofit in Latin America and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bolivia. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The George Washington University and is fluent in English and Spanish.