The American Red Cross of Idaho has hired Scott Davis as its new disaster program manager for eastern and southcentral Idaho.

Davis will oversee the organization’s disaster response in the area, working with volunteers to meet families’ most immediate needs following home fires, wildfires and floods. He also will lead the organization’s disaster preparedness campaigns, including efforts to install free smoke alarms in East Idaho homes and teach families about fire safety.

Davis has a master’s degree in emergency and crisis management from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, and a bachelors from Brigham Young University-Idaho. While completing his education, he interned for the Madison County Office of Emergency Management where he coordinated a full-scale emergency exercise in collaboration with the Idaho State Health Department.

Prior to joining the Red Cross, Davis worked in property management for four years. He has lived in eastern Idaho for 10 years, and he and his wife Vanessa have three young boys. Beginning in June, Davis will be based in Idaho Falls.

“I have a passion for helping people prepare for disasters,” Davis said. “I'm ecstatic to live and serve in this great area and community.”

Davis takes over the position previously occupied by Rusty Devereaux, who retired earlier this month after five years with the Red Cross. During that time, Devereaux was skilled at building relationships and working with community partners to deliver Red Cross services.

“Rusty brought a talent and passion for engaging East Idaho communities around preparedness, response and recovery,” said Ted Koenig, Red Cross regional disaster officer for Idaho and Montana. “With Scott’s leadership, we hope to further Rusty’s work in building resilient, disaster-prepared communities.”

Last year, the Red Cross of Idaho Red Cross helped more than 700 people following a disaster and installed 1,640 free smoke alarms in homes across Idaho. The organization also provided comfort and support to 1,110 military families and taught 12,875 people lifesaving skills such as CPR and first aid. To learn more or get involved, visit redcross.org/Idaho.