The American Red Cross New Jersey Region welcomes Wendy Vara, former Division Volunteer Services Executive with the Red Cross Central Atlantic Division, as our new regional executive for the region. Wendy will oversee all service delivery, fundraising and external relations throughout the state.
Wendy replaces Rosie Taravella, who served as our regional executive for more than six years. In December, Rosie was promoted to lead the Northeast Division of the American Red Cross as Vice President. Congratulations Rosie!
“I’m thrilled Wendy will be leading the New Jersey Region,” said Rosie Taravella, northeast division vice president, American Red Cross. “Throughout her tenure, Wendy has successfully led large and complex teams, strengthened volunteer engagement, and championed transformative initiatives that drive mission impact and efficiency. Her experience will enable her to build upon the region’s existing strengths and lead the Red Cross to provide even better service to communities across New Jersey.”
Wendy brings with her nearly three decades of distinguished leadership across both Biomedical and Humanitarian Services with the Red Cross. During her last eight years with Volunteer Services, she drove strategic collaboration with regional leadership and their teams to strengthen volunteer programs, expand capacity, and enhance engagement across the division. She also served in interim roles as Senior Director, Biomedical Services Workforce Strategy and Process, and Interim Regional Executive for the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region. Wendy also designed and implemented a standardized framework, processes, and systems for Biomedical Services to effectively engage volunteers nationwide during her four years as National Director with Biomedical Volunteer Management at the Red Cross. Wendy said,
“I am honored to take the lead for this effective region and will do my best to support our dedicated staff and volunteers who carry out the mission of the Red Cross in New Jersey.”
Wendy is a longtime and proud resident of New Jersey. Deeply rooted in her community, Wendy is passionate about strengthening connections across the state and ensuring that the Red Cross remains a trusted, indispensable partner for every New Jersey family.
The region also welcomes Andy Stone as American Red Cross of Northern New Jersey’s new Executive Director. Andy brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in the non-profit and government sectors. Prior to joining the American Red Cross, he was Program Director for Hopeland, a non-profit based in New York City that focused on improving the lives of vulnerable children worldwide.
Andy replaces Sara Huisking, who took the lead for Disaster Services as Regional Disaster Officer in New Jersey. Sara replaces Edward Blanchard, who moved to the Texas Gulf Coast Region as Regional Disaster Officer for the American Red Cross last year.
Our sincere gratitude goes to Kim Goetz, our Central New Jersey executive director, who served as our interim regional executive following Rosie’s promotion to Northeast Divisional Vice Present. Thank you Kim!
