Richard Felix delivering water in the chapter's Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV). These specialized vehicles are essential to helping pre-position supplies, delivering immediate relief after disasters and supporting local community events.
Media contact: Carrie Carlson-Guest
(612) 743-5555 | Carrie.Carlson-Guest@redcross.org
RAPID CITY, S.D., May 19, 2026 — The American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region has named Richard Felix as Executive Director serving Central and Western South Dakota.
Felix brings more than a decade of leadership experience across nonprofit, military and public safety sectors, along with a deep understanding of the Red Cross mission and the communities it serves.
“Richard leads with a steady, mission-first approach and a genuine commitment to people,” said Brice Johnson, regional chief executive officer for the American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region. “He has already been a trusted leader for staff, volunteers and partners across the region, and his experience building strong relationships and guiding teams through complex environments will continue to strengthen our work across Central and Western South Dakota.
Felix most recently served as a Regional Program Manager with the American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region, helping guide Service to the Armed Forces and International Services programs across three states. Since February 2026, he has also served as Interim Executive Director for the chapter, providing steady leadership and supporting staff and volunteers across the region.
Prior to joining the Red Cross, Felix served nine years in the United States Air Force, where he led personnel and managed global logistics and operations in support of national security missions.
“I’m honored to continue serving alongside the volunteers, staff and partners who make this mission possible every day,” Felix said. “The people across Central and Western South Dakota care deeply about their communities, and I’m excited to keep building relationships and supporting the work happening across the region.”
Felix holds a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security from University of Maryland Global Campus and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration. He and his wife, Elisabeth Cave, live in Rapid City, where he stays actively involved through board service, veteran support initiatives, youth soccer and volunteer leadership.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to people impacted by disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports members of the military, veterans and their families.
The American Red Cross serving Central and Western South Dakota supports communities across Aurora, Bennett, Brule, Buffalo, Butte, Campbell, Charles Mix, Corson, Custer, Dewey, Douglas, Edmunds, Fall River, Faulk, Gregory, Haakon, Hand, Harding, Hughes, Hyde, Jackson, Jerauld, Jones, Lawrence, Lyman, McPherson, Meade, Mellette, Pennington, Perkins, Potter, Stanley, Sully, Todd, Tripp, Walworth and Ziebach counties, as well as seven sovereign Tribal Nations. Learn more at RedCross.org/MNDAKS and follow us on social media.
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