The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago is proud to announce that Darrel Hackett, CEO, BMO U.S., will serve as Honorary Chair of the 24th Annual Heroes Breakfast, an annual celebration of courage, compassion, and service that raises critical funds to support disaster relief in 2024.

Each year, the Heroes Breakfast honors extraordinary individuals whose selfless actions strengthen our communities and save lives. The event also raises critical support for the Red Cross’s lifesaving mission, ensuring the organization is prepared to respond to increasingly complex emergencies locally, nationally, and around the world.

As Honorary Chair, Hackett will lend his leadership and voice to elevate the stories of the Heroes being recognized and to champion the vital humanitarian work of the Red Cross. As CEO of BMO U.S., Hackett leads the firm’s U.S. operations with a strong focus on growth, performance, and building stronger communities and thriving local economies.

Widely respected for his principled leadership and commitment to advancing economic opportunity through BMO’s Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, Hackett brings a powerful perspective to this role—one rooted in service, collaboration, and long-term impact. BMO is a longtime corporate partner of the American Red Cross.

“Being named Honorary Chair of the 24th Annual Heroes Breakfast is a tremendous honor,” said Hackett. “The whole team at BMO is deeply committed to supporting stronger communities – particularly when the unexpected happens – and we value our partnership with the Red Cross. The event recognizing everyday heroes in our communities who step up when it matters most is a critical reminder to all of us that we can have meaningful impact both individually and together in times of need.”

The 24th Annual Heroes Breakfast is expected to draw more than 500 civic, corporate, and community leaders and will recognize Heroes across 12 categories, including: Blood Services, Community Impact, Disaster Relief, Education, Firefighter, Global Citizenship, Healthcare, Law Enforcement, Lifesaving Rescue, Military, Social Justice Impact, and Youth.
“We are honored to welcome Darrel Hackett as Honorary Chair of the 2026 Heroes Breakfast,” said Kellie O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer of the Illinois Red Cross. “His leadership, values, and dedication to community impact align perfectly with the spirit of this event. With Darrel’s partnership, we know this year’s Heroes Breakfast will be especially powerful.”
The 24th Annual Heroes Breakfast will take place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Chicago.

For more information, to nominate a Hero, or to learn how you can support the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, visit RedCross.org/Heroes.

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 Twitter at @RedCross.