Montana Red Cross has named Hannah Zuraff of Missoula as its new executive director.

Zuraff comes to the Red Cross with a wealth of nonprofit and leadership experience. She was most recently the executive director of Families First, a Missoula-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering Western Montana families through parenting classes and learning-through-play activities for children. During and prior to that, Zuraff ran her own marketing consulting business, HZCreativez, and was formerly the marketing coordinator for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Montana Properties.

“We are absolutely thrilled Hannah is joining our team,” said Nicole Sirak Irwin, CEO of the Red Cross of Montana, Idaho and East Oregon. “She brings the experience, energy and compassion that makes her the perfect fit for this organization and our work serving communities across Montana and beyond. Hannah can hit the ground running and further our work turning empathy in action.”

Zuraff received a master’s degree in public administration, with a focus in nonprofit administration, from the University of Montana. She also has degrees in psychology and sociology with an emphasis in inequality and social justice, which fuels her passion for making a difference in Montana. She is also a candidate in the social work master’s program at UM, where she has a focus on grief, trauma, working with families, and in corrections.

She comes to Red Cross already familiar with its work. Besides being a blood donor, she has volunteered with the humanitarian organization, most recently helping install free smoke alarms in Missoula homes as part of the Sound the Alarm campaign.

“I cannot wait to work alongside so many people making an impact on others,” she said. “The Red Cross is the gold standard for nonprofit organizations, and I’m excited to be able to commit to its mission each and every day.”

Zuraff steps into the role previously held by Diane Wright, who served as the Montana executive director for the past 10 years. Wright, who lives in Great Falls, takes over as the region’s chief operating officer.

“We are so grateful to Diane for her tireless work leading our mission here in Montana,” Montana Red Cross Board Chair, Craig Stahlberg, said. “From building community partnerships and connecting with elected officials during times of disaster, to guiding our board and stewarding our financial donors, Diane has been a steady hand and influential leader. We know she will shine in her new role. And we look forward to working with Hannah.”

In her spare time, Zuraff enjoys exploring Western Montana with her dogs, Gunner, Bentley and Penny Lou. She also teaches classes nonprofit management as an adjunct professor at the University of Montana.