APRIL 1, 2021 — The American Red Cross Kentucky Region is proud to announce the appointment of Misty Thomas as the new Executive Director of the Western Kentucky Chapter, one of five chapters in the region.

Thomas, who will begin working in her new job on April 1, will be responsible for Red Cross relationships and community outreach in the 25-county chapter area. Included in these responsibilities are American Red Cross program management, representing the Red Cross across the geography and managing daily chapter activities. She will work with the chapter board to effectively mobilize support and resources for the Red Cross mission and utilize Community Volunteer Leaders to enhance service delivery. She will be based in the Owensboro and Paducah offices.

Thomas worked to help open Saving Hope Charities in Leitchfield, a transitional living facility for women & children in homeless situations, she is now a member of the board of directors for Silverleaf Sexual Trauma Services, Grayson County Chamber of Commerce, chairs the Grayson County Women of Worth Committee, board of directors member for Twin Lakes Professional Women's Organization, works with the Grayson County Poverty Coalition, is a Kentucky Colonel, and sat on the Grayson County Tri-County CASA Board of Directors for 9 years.

“I am thrilled to have someone of Misty’s caliber and experience to step up and lead the American Red Cross Western Kentucky Chapter,” said Steve Cunanan, CEO of the Red Cross Kentucky Region. “Misty is an experienced leader in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. She joins us from Heritage Media of Kentucky where she held various roles during her 15-year career, including broadcast journalist, account executive and news director. In addition, she is a recognized community leader and we are excited to have her join our team.”

“The opportunity to work with the American Red Cross is such a dream for me, as my career desire is to return to non-profit work,” said Misty Thomas. “I look forward to serving in this capacity, and am honored to be involved with an organization that helps families and communities each and every day. "

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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/kentucky or visit us on Twitter at @KYRedCross and on Facebook at KYRedCross.