Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (March 21, 2024) – The Broward County Chapter of the American Red Cross announced that Katy Ellis joined its Board of Directors, a team made up of local business and civic leaders who give of their time, expertise and compassion in support of Red Cross humanitarian services.   

“We are delighted to have Katy join our Board of Directors,” said Paula Prendergast, executive director of the American Red Cross Broward County Chapter. “Katy embodies a passion for the Red Cross mission and is an exemplary leader in our community.”

Down the street, across the country and around the world, the Red Cross helps residents prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies and disasters large and small. The organization serves the residents of Broward County through the power of its workforce and the generosity of the American public.

Katy Ellis currently oversees rental properties in Pompano Beach and Marathon. A former top salesperson in the hospitality industry, she’s been a member of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association for more than 20 years, where she was active in membership recruiting and community outreach.

Katy put herself through college working in the hospitality industry and upon graduating from the University of Florida, she went to work for Hyatt, which led to a nearly 3-year position with them in Aruba.

“Since moving to South Florida and approaching retirement, I've been looking for an organization to lend my time and talents to. Having lived almost my whole life in hurricane-prone areas from Louisiana to Florida, I've seen firsthand the amazing work the American Red Cross can do,” said Katy. “When the opportunity arose to join the American Red Cross, I couldn't think of a better way to help make a positive impact locally and beyond.”

Katy lived in St. Petersburg from 1992 until her marriage to Tom Ellis brought her to Pompano Beach in 2019. Between Katy and Tom, they have 6 children – Katy has 2 boys and a girl, and Tom has 2 girls and a boy. In her free time, you can find her working out, fishing, boating or traveling. She is currently an active member of the American Red Cross Tiffany Circle of philanthropic women.

About the American Red Cross: 
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/SouthFlorida or visit us on Facebook or X at @SFLRedCross.