We would like to thank our local sponsors who are committed to making Central & Western Massachusetts a safer place to live and call home.
Karl Storz
Bowditch & Dewey, LLP | National Grid | Unibank | Woodmeister Master Builders
All Star Incentive Marketing | Consigli Construction Co., Inc. | Cornerstone Bank | Grimes & Company | Lynne Lirette | Rakesh Kapoor and Family | Reliant Medical | Southbridge Credit Union
Launched in October 2014, the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign aims to prevent deaths and injuries from home fires, which account for most of the more than 60,000 disasters that we respond to each year.
The Red Cross is here for you. Please call us at 800-564-1234 for assistance.
Visit our Get Help page for additional resources.
Information on blood drives, blood donation appointments as well as your personal blood donor account can be found on our Red Cross Blood website>
We provide help for members of the military, veterans and their families to prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service.
Learn CPR, First Aid. Water Safety and other lifesaving skills.
The best way to provide immediate relief to your neighbors facing emergency situations is through a monetary donation. Our disaster assistance programs rely heavily on the generous financial support of citizens in the Massachusetts region. Even if you only have a few dollars to spare, your donation to American Red Cross disaster relief will make a significant difference in the lives of those facing disasters. Make a one-time donation today either online, by phone, or by mail, or set up a recurring monthly donation to make an even bigger difference.
The humanitarian work that we do at American Red Cross would not be possible without our volunteers. We have a variety of disaster relief volunteer opportunities available, as well as potential positions focused on facility management, health and safety, service to the Armed Forces, and professional specialties like photography, IT, and more. Check out our current volunteer opportunities near you in Worcester & Springfield, Massachusetts!
Host a charity stream by playing your favorite video games while raising life-saving funds to help those in need. You can also fundraise your way by energizing your community through celebrating a special occasion or being creative to help to those in need. Click a button below to get started!
Nia Rennix, Executive Director, Central & Western Massachusetts
nia.rennix@redcross.org
(413) 233-1024
Mary Nathan, Disaster Program Manager, Western Massachusetts
(413) 233-1017
mary.nathan@redcross.org
DeeDee Paul, Disaster Program Manager for Central Massachusetts
doudelyne.paul2@redcross.org
Tina Bussone was elected to the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts in 2017. Tina currently is the Chair of the Heroes Among Us Event and sits on the Board Development and Engagement Committee. Tina is the Executive Director of Bowditch & Dewey, LLP, a law firm in Central Massachusetts. In partnership with the Managing Partner, Tina is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the firm with oversight of human resources, marketing and business development, accounting and information systems.
She holds an M.B.A. in Management Science from George Washington University and a B.S. in Russian Area Studies from Georgetown University. Tina is also on the Board of Directors at the Center for Living & Working, a non-profit independent living center.
Mike joined the Red Cross in 2016 and is currently Chair of the Volunteer & Mission Capacity Building Committee. Mike is also on the Northeast Disaster Team responding to fires and local disasters. In his position as VP of Emergency Planning and Electric Services for National Grid, he oversees the development and documentation of emergency response plans and the business resilience program across the US organization. Additionally, he is responsible for vegetation management, electric meter testing and labs, and the engineering / standards labs. Mike has been instrumental in coordinating the partnership the American Red Cross currently enjoys with National Grid.
Lynne was elected to the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts in 2017. Currently she sits on the Volunteer and Mission Capacity Building and Heroes Among Us Committees. Lynne is Director of Human Resources at Saint Gobain for Superabrasives and the centralized Abrasives Supply Chain Group, North America. During her 13+ years with Saint Gobain (still referred to as Norton by many), Lynne also worked at the Northborough R&D Center, a start-up SG business on Devens and at the NA Bonded Abrasives Plants in Worcester. Prior to working at Saint Gobain, Lynne worked in the defense/aerospace and biotech industries. Though born and raised in the Metro West region, her career has geographically taken her back to family roots as both parents come from Central Massachusetts. Lynne received her BS degree from Bentley College in Marketing Management. Her volunteer work has included local/state election campaigns, Boys & Girls Club Volunteer and she served as Communications/fundraising Manager for the hockey league her son played in for several years. Lynne resides in Lancaster, MA with her husband, Michel, and son, Beau.
Maureen Binienda is Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools, a resident of the City of Worcester and a past student of the Worcester Public Schools.
Formerly, Ms. Binienda was Principal at South High Community School for eight years and was responsible for the consistent and continual orientation of all South High personnel and students to the school mission, learning expectations and standards, and school safety. South High is the third most diverse high school in Massachusetts. While leading South High she appreciated the value of diversity and demonstrated experience working with various cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds.
As principal, she managed limited resources leading school improvement initiatives that closed student achievement gaps as evidenced by South High’s improvement in AP enrollment and scores for all students including minority and low-income groups.
Ms. Binienda was a Jacob Hiatt Scholar and earned her second Master’s in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education in Administration, Planning and Social Policy. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Education from Fitchburg State College in Special Education.
Brad Campbell was elected to the position of President at CMEA in September of 2017. CMEA is a HR Support organization assisting small to mid-size firms with implementation of HR laws as well as Employee Benefits and Leadership Education. CMEA was established in 1904 with a membership of 300 businesses. Previously, Brad served as the Executive Director of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Western MA. From 2003 through 2008 and again from 2010 through August of 2017. Also served as the Administrator for the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of MA. From 2011 through August of 2017. These non-profits supported the residential construction and remodeling industry. Assisting member firms with education, legislation, health and safety and general business practices. Brad also serves as the Chairman of the board of Arrha Credit Union located in Springfield, MA.
Kim Goodnow was re-elected to the Board of Directors in 2012 and currently sits on the Philanthropy, Board Development and Engagement, and Heroes Event Committees. She has served as a Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteer and is currently a member of the Tiffany Circle of the American Red Cross, a community of women leaders locally, nationally and internationally who advance the American Red Cross mission through a focused investment of time, talent and treasure. As a long-time volunteer with the Red Cross since 2002, Kim shares her passion for service and volunteerism and introduced a pilot program at Woodmeister called Ready When the Time Comes. This pilot program allowed trained employees to respond along with the Red Cross to local disasters (fire, flood, severe storm damage) that occur during business hours. Kim is co-owner and Ambassador at Woodmeister Master Builders, re-sides in Princeton with her husband Ted and has three children. She is passionate about the American Red Cross, enjoys photography and doing anything in the great outdoors.
Lauren Howe is an award-winning communications, community relations and public relations professional with more than 20 years of experience.
Lauren founded empHowered PR, LLC, to assist organizations in implementing new corporate branding, overseeing crisis issues, and overall internal and external communications. Her knowledge and expertise in philanthropy and corporate social responsibility provides her clients an opportunity to make a profound impact within the communities where their people live and work. And, when crisis strikes, Lauren quickly strategizes an organization's response to the media, employees and the public to create and deliver concise messaging to align with a company’s principles and values.
Lauren holds a master's degree in Organizational and Professional Communication, as well as a graduate certificate in healthcare communications, from Regis College. Additionally, she graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she majored in Journalism, and also earned an associate degree from Mount Wachusett Community College.
Manasseh Konadu is a rising 3L at the University of Massachusetts School of law. In addition to law school, he is also the Co- Founder of Ākra Eatery a restaurant in the Worcester Public Market. Manasseh Konadu is a graduate of Worcester State University where he managed to graduate in three years while serving as student trustee his last year Worcester State University. Manasseh enjoys volunteering, sports and spending time with his family.
Tanya Moniz-Witten is the VP of New England Electric Field Operations. In her current role, Moniz-Witten’s organization is responsible for maintaining and building the NE service territory distribution grid and electric metering services. In addition, her team is responsible for the emergency response as it relates to maintenance and restoration of our electric distribution system. Her leadership ensures that her team provides safe, reliable, and cost effective electric service while maintaining compliance, following regulatory requirements and adhering to all safety regulations.
Prior to this, Moniz-Witten worked for Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) for 17 years. She held two key Sr. Director roles (Electric Maintenance & Construction and Electric Grid Operations), similar to her current responsibilities at National Grid. Other positions included, Director of Public Safety & Regulatory (Compliance), Director of Meter Asset Management & Engineering, Director of Business Operations for the company’s SmartMeter Project Team.
Moniz-Witten joined PG&E in 2003 and has held various positions in Energy Delivery, Finance, and Shared Services. For a good portion of her career at PG&E, she was responsible for all forecasting and budgeting activities of the company. In this role, she supported senior leadership decision-making by facilitating the delivery of thoughtful, accurate, and timely financial projections and plans, as well as assessments of related risks and opportunities. Moniz-Witten has a strong operations and project management background and prior to joining PG&E; she spent several years as an environmental operations manager, business process analyst, and high school mathematics teacher/Varsity Softball Head Coach.
Moniz-Witten received a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from UC, Santa Barbara, and an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. During her free time, Moniz-Witten enjoys spending time with her family (husband and two boys), vacationing in Hawaii where her parents were born and raised, being a cheerleader in the stands for her two boys, and as a season ticket holder, rooting for the Giants at Oracle Park. Soon she will be spending time at Fenway cheering for the Red Sox.
Jeff was elected to the Board of the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts in 2013. Jeff currently serves as Chair for the Central MA Chapter and sits on the Board Development and Engagement committee, Philanthropy Committee, and Heroes Among Us Committee. He is a partner and current chair of the Business Group of Mirick, O’Connell, DeMallie & Lougee, LLP, a 60-lawyer law firm with offices in Worcester, Westborough and Boston. His legal practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, equity financing, securities regulation, contract drafting and negotiating, business formation, corporate governance and general corporate and business matters. Jeff graduated with a BA from Duke University and received his JD from Boston University.
Prior to attending law school, Jeff handled major property losses as senior claim representative for Prudential Property & Casualty. In that capacity, Jeff witnessed the great work of American Red Cross volunteers as they assisted and comforted families whose homes had been damaged or destroyed by a fire. As a member of Prudential’s catastrophe team, Jeff spent several weeks in Charleston, South Carolina in the weeks following Hurricane Hugo working alongside the Red Cross and other relief agencies in the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
Jeff lives in Shrewsbury and is the father of two daughters and a son. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends at their lake house in New Hampshire.
Sean Teebagy is currently a medical student at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the CEO of Sean Studies LLC (AKA Pillar Test Prep), a company devoted to helping students succeed on standardized test. Born and raised in Central Massachusetts, he is an alumnus of Shrewsbury Public High School, College of the Holy Cross, and set to graduate with a Medical Degree (MD) from UMass in 2023. As the youngest of 3 brothers, Sean attributes his commitment and leadership to his parents and their continued dedication to serving their own community. Skilled in entrepreneurship and online education, Sean has worked with the Pillar Test Prep team to help over 300 perspective medical school students achieve their goal score on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Additionally, at UMass, Sean has focused on finding innovative ways medical students can aid front-line workers during the COVID19 Pandemic and worked with Worcester community leaders to flatten the curve. Sean recently served on the Board of Trustees of the College of the Holy Cross where he advised the college on various student affair initiatives, academic policies, and the financial health of the institution. In 2016, Sean was elected as the youngest member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Central Massachusetts and remains involved in the impact the United Way has on the community.
Karen-Louise Walker joined Ascentria in February 2020 as the Vice President of Development and is responsible for leading, planning, and implementing all external fundraising activities. She brings extensive administrative, executive leadership and oversight experience working in the nonprofit and public sectors, including over 14 years in advancement and fund development. Most recently, as the Executive Director of Advancement at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, her efforts tripled giving and doubled donor and alumni engagement.
Karen has two master’s degrees and a Doctor of Theology degree from Boston University, and is an ordained minister in the Baptist tradition.
Chris Olson is responsible for resilience, information governance, and IT infrastructure for MassMutual. Chris was elected to the Board of Directors in 2018. He started his career as a certified business continuity planner. During that time, he served as a committee chairman for LOMA, a faculty guest speaker for Symantec, and a featured presenter at DRJ Fall World in San Diego, and was published in the Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning and Corporate Security magazine.
Ayanna Crawford is the Educational Consultant and Motivational speaker for nonprofits and colleges in the Pioneer Valley. Crawford is the current Chief of Staff to Representative Orlando Ramos. She is also the owner/ President of AC consulting and Media Services specializing in workshops in communications skills; press releases; social media management & marketing with nonprofits and community-based centers in the New England area. Ayanna also has a love for public relations and media work.
She has been a guest lecturer at Smith College on “Best Practices for literacy development in Urban Schools” in the education department at Smith College. She is a graduate of Westfield State University with a BA in psychology and an M.Ed. from Springfield College as well as an Alumni of Ameri Corps program, which is a service program that places students in urban schools to help with closing the achievement gap.
Ayanna is the original former host of "Gospel Café, a regional entertainment showcase in New England area, as well as Tastemakers Soul event of local, regional, national entertainment world to network with Executives in the Entertainment industry. Also, to Ayanna's credit, she has been a featured speaker at numerous colleges and universities on the topic of race, women's issues, and parenthood.
She created a signature program for girls in a western mass called “it’s your turn take the mic" - which is a summer enrichment program, Afterschool and school-aged program for girls ages 5-18 years old in the Greater Springfield area. She is also the founder of Women in the Business club of Western Mass area. She is currently on the board of BHN Parent Villages as board Vice-Chair.
She is currently writing a book on Tips for young girls in public speaking. Ayanna Crawford is the proud mother of two children. She regularly volunteers for several organizations and community-based centers assisting them with media & Public Relations!
General Driscoll is Director, Joint Staff for the Massachusetts National Guard located at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. He serves as the chief advisor and principal assistant to the Adjutant General. He is responsible for directing, supervising, training, coordinating the staff and assisting the Adjutant General in the deployment and coordination of programs, policies, and plans affecting over 8,000 members of the Massachusetts National Guard.
General Driscoll is a graduate of Northeastern University, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and American Military University where he received a Master’s Degree in Military Studies.
Mike Garreffi is the news director for WWLP-TV. Mike has served on the Board since 2013. Mike and the team at WWLP-22News and The CW Springfield support the local efforts of the American Red Cross with consistent media coverage. Mike is an active member of the Heroes Planning Committee, and has served as the Media Sponsor of the Heroes event for the past 16 years.
Lisa Grenier was elected to the Red Cross Board of Directors in 2019. She has over 20 years of experience and expertise working in the marketing, advertising and public relations industry. In her current position at Market Mentors, she is dedicated to developing new business for the agency as well as actively supporting existing client relationships.
Lisa was a behind-the-scenes supporter of the Red Cross during her 10 years with 22News, through Hometown Heroes and blood drives. Currently, Lisa also serves as a board member for the West Springfield Rotary and is actively involved in her community. She was born and raised in Springfield, and now resides in Agawam with her husband and son Tommy—when he’s not away at college.
McMahon, who first joined the VA in 2011 in the finance office in Leeds, was later promoted to chief financial officer in 2013. He was instrumental in the realignment of VA clinics in Worcester and Fitchburg from Boston to VACWM, which resulted in a 45% increase in patients.
McMahon guided the facility through an unprecedented growth period of over 200 additional employees between 2014 and 2017, contributing more than $100 million to the local economy in salaries. Through his stewardship of eight sites of care and more than 1,000 employees, VACWM's economic impact exceeds $150 million, including $30 million in care coordinated with medical professionals in the community, and $20 million in ongoing construction projects.
Moving forward, McMahon said in his new role as Associate Director he will seek to expand on investing in the facilities infrastructure.
"We're here to serve America's Veterans, and we work hard to be a world-class healthcare provider, and to be a good neighbor to the community through our many partnerships," he said.
McMahon holds a Master's degree from Boston University in Management and he is pursuing an additional Master's degree in Public Health Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He also serves as a Budget Officer in the Massachusetts Air National Guard.
Tim Nelson has been the Amherst Fire Chief since 2010. Chief Nelson was added to the Board of Directors in 2011. Serving as the Holyoke Fire Chief prior. Tim is known as an accomplished professional who brings the full range of knowledge and experience to Amherst. Chief Nelson was recently added to a statewide task force to lend his expertise examining ways to improve safety and security for sports stadiums, concert halls, convention centers and other places where people gather in significant numbers.
John Santoro, M.D. currently serves as the Vice Chair Department of Emergency Medicine and Associate EMS Medical Director at Baystate Health in Springfield, MA.
John has served on the Board since 2007. He sits on the EMCAB (Emergency Medical Care Advisory Board as the ARC Mass representative where he is representing the interests and function of the state Red Cross Chapter. This advisory board functions under the DPH. We review and recommend changes to the pre-hospital care services in the state.
John attended St. Bonaventure University and State University of New York Upstate for medical school. He did his residency in Family Medicine and is double board certified in Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine.
He presently resides in Longmeadow, and is active with the Special Olympics, the Springfield Thunderbirds (professional hockey team), the Falmouth Road Race, and Six Flags Amusement parks serving as their National Medical Director.
Jeff currently heads up Emergency Management and Business Continuity for ISO New England. Is this role he is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation program for the organization. Jeff is the former Head of the Office of Enterprise Resilience and Data Center Operations for MassMutual. Prior to MassMutual, Jeff was the Emergency Management Administrator for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. At MIT, he was responsible for oversight of the emergency management and business continuity program and programs related to crisis management planning, preparedness, response, and disaster recovery functions at the Institute. His past experience includes two years as the Director of the City of Chicopee’s Emergency Management Department and seven years at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), where he managed several preparedness programs including the statewide business continuity program. Jeff is a Certified Emergency Manager (IAEM) and a Master Business Continuity Professional (DRII). He has been certified by FEMA as an instructor and as a Master Continuity of Operations Practitioner. He holds additional certifications in chemical weapons response, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Incident Command, and Homeland Security planning. He also holds a Master’s degree in Management from the Catholic University of America. Jeff represented MIT by serving on a White House panel along with the Secretary of Homeland Security and Secretary of Education discussing Active Shooter Incident and helping to draft guidance for educational institutions. In 2016 Jeff was named a 40 under Forty award by Business West Magazine. Jeff is a native of Western Massachusetts currently residing in the City of Holyoke where he serves as Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners and as the Emergency Management Director.