Kellie O'Connell serves as Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Illinois, leading humanitarian response and community preparedness initiatives that serve more than 12.2 million people across 88 counties in Illinois and parts of Iowa and Missouri.

A transformational leader with over two decades of nonprofit and government experience, Kellie has dedicated her career to expanding access to vital resources for communities in need. Prior to joining the Red Cross, she served as CEO of Nourishing Hope, where she led the organization through significant expansion and innovation. Under her leadership, the organization launched Chicago's first online food pantry market, mounted an impressive COVID-19 hunger relief response at Wrigley Field, expanded free mental health services, rebranded the organization, and opened a new central headquarters to serve more communities across the city.

A native South Sider, Kellie's commitment to Chicago runs deep. She is a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow since 2020, an active member of the Economic Club of Chicago, and serves on the executive committee of the board for Guitars Over Guns. Her collaborative leadership approach and focus on innovation have earned recognition including the Mayor's Medal of Honor and a Chicago Innovation Award.

Kellie holds a master's degree in Sociology from Loyola University Chicago and a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Northern Illinois University. She enhanced her executive leadership credentials through Harvard Business School's Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management Executive Education Program in 2019.

A proud mom, Kellie shares her passion for service with her teenage daughter, Brennan, as they explore and give back to the city they call home.

Catherine Rabenstine joined the American Red Cross in 2016 and became the Chief Operating Officer of the Illinois Region in 2018. As a Red Crosser, Cat has deployed as a Public Information Officer to support the response for Hurricane Matthew, Hurricane Irma, as well as local tornado and flooding disasters. Most recently she deployed as the Chief of Staff of the Hurricane Ida response in Louisiana. She is a member of the COO Forum, and has served on the board of Public Narrative and as a coach for students with One Million Degrees. Cat has worked in nonprofits since 2004, teaching journalism courses for a year in the West Bank, helping build a service learning and study trips program in Rome for a few years, partnering with people experiencing homelessness to help them transform their lives at Cara Chicago, teaching English for a year in southern India, and coordinating a conservation leadership training program in the Pacific NW. Cat earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Peace Studies from Loyola University Chicago, and her master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

Heidi joined the Red Cross in 2001 serving in several development roles in the organization before being named CDO in 2008. She has managed direct marketing, annual giving and special events programs and has led the marketing and communications team. She launched the Heroes Breakfast which brings significant support and visibility to the Region, and is now an annual event. Before joining the Red Cross Heidi served as associate director of annual events at the Newberry Library in Chicago

Regional Volunteer Services Officer, Kendra Henson is from Central Illinois and has been with the American Red Cross for eight years.  Kendra’s heart is drawn towards working with humanitarian organizations and has served as a medical social worker for the Vermont Dept. of Health, a Public Relations Specialist for Meals on Wheels, as well as working to support underserved populations in both Vermont and Illinois.  Kendra is proud to serve the Illinois Region as the Volunteer Services Officer and believes firmly in our incredibly giving, talented, and compassionate volunteer workforce! 

Brian's dedication to humanitarian aid began as a teenager, volunteering with the Red Cross in his hometown.  He currently serves as the Regional Director for Services to the Armed Forces and International Services.  Coming from a long line of military veterans dating back to the American Revolution, his commitment to serving military communities is deeply personal.

Before assuming his current role, Brian was Executive Director of the American Red Cross of the Illinois River Valley, where he oversaw services for 1.1 million residents in suburban Chicago.  He has deployed into the field for Hurricanes Laura, Ira, and Ian; served as Assistant Disaster Director for Operations for Illinois Spring Storms in 2023, and as an Elected Official Liaison after the mass casualty event at Michigan State in 2023.

Brian holds a Master of Science in Accountancy and an MBA in Supply Chain Management, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Benedictine University.