The American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region has named Tonia Teasley as its new regional chief executive officer. Covering Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota and Douglas County, Wisconsin, the region serves more than 7.3 million people. 

“In this key role, Tonia leads a region known across the organization for its strong partnerships,” said Sue Richter, vice president of the North Central Division of the Red Cross. 

The Minnesota and Dakotas Region is comprised of nine Red Cross chapters, more than 2,600 volunteers who embody the mission of the Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. The region supports disaster response and preparedness activities, service to armed forces, training in lifesaving skills such as first aid and CPR, as well as international services which teaches International Humanitarian Law and helps reconnect families separated by civil unrest. Tonia will partner with Bob Bruce, regional donor services executive, who leads the region’s biomedical services. 

“Tonia’s extensive experience in the business world, passion from starting her own nonprofit, as well as her deep roots in this region, give her the strategic vision and flexibility needed to excel as a Red Cross leader,” shared Cyndi Lesher, long-time Red Cross board member and CEO search committee chair. 

Dr. David Hamlar, Twin Cities Area Chapter board chair and member of the search committee said, “Serving in a leadership role in the Red Cross is challenging – it's a complex organization. However, I’m confident Tonia is the right choice for our next regional CEO.” He added, “I expect she will take the challenge in stride. Her background in law, human resources, professional development and nonprofit management make her uniquely suited to succeed in this position.” 

About Tonia Teasley 
Teasley comes to the Red Cross from Untangle the Knot, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit advocating to simplify access to services for people with disabilities, where she served as the founder, chief storyteller and principal consultant. Prior to that, she spent seven years as a senior executive at Capella University. She has also been a leader in general management, operations and human resources at several prominent legal firms in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area.  

“Leading from the heart and inspiring people to action has always been a part of my career and wholly aligns with the mission of the Red Cross,” said Teasley. She notes, “I’m honored to join the Red Cross and work side-by-side with the extraordinary volunteers, donors and staff to continue to deliver on that mission to help people in times of crisis.  I’m also looking forward to deepening our relationships with all of the communities across the Minnesota and Dakotas Region.”  

Teasley and her husband have six grown children and live in Apple Valley, Minnesota. She holds a law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts in economics and political science from St. Olaf College. In addition, she earned Graduate Certificates in Financial Success for Nonprofits and Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. 

Beyond her professional experience, Teasley serves as a board member for Beyond Walls Urban Squash Twin Cities, a nonprofit focused on building academic excellence, character and well-being for youth in under-resourced communities. She also shares her skills on the Human Resource Advisory Committee for Fraser, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing autism and early childhood mental health services. 

About the American Red Cross  
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. It 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 not a governmental agency, but rather a not-for-profit humanitarian organization. 

The Minnesota and Dakotas Region of the Red Cross serves 7.3 million people in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota and Douglas County (Superior) in Wisconsin.  

The American Red Cross is part of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent humanitarian disaster relief network around the world. This network includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) societies. The network is united by a shared commitment to seven Fundamental Principles, including humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.  

Media Contact: Carrie Carlson-Guest, carrie.carlson-guest@redcross.org