By: Amelia Keefer

Last year, Sid Taylor was chosen to take over as Executive Director of the Red Cross’ Greater Cincinnati chapter—a role that oversees Cincinnati area disaster services, volunteer resources, and fundraising efforts. For Sid, being named the executive director was a full-circle moment in a 29-year-long career of nonprofit work. “When I received the offer, it was incredibly affirming,” he says. It felt like the culmination of work he had been building toward for decades. “Cincinnati is home in every sense of the word. I was born and raised here, my family is here. I have a deep sense of hometown pride and love being part of a city where people truly care about one another. It means a great deal to me to serve an organization whose mission aligns so deeply with my values and life experiences.”

Sid brings a great deal of leadership experience to the role, both learned and lived. “I’ve always been fascinated by what motivates people—why they make the decisions they do and what helps or hinders them from reaching their potential,” he says. While working 50-60 hours a week, Taylor pursued his undergraduate degree in a format that allowed him to balance full-time leadership work with continued learning. He later went on to earn a master’s degree in organizational leadership, applying what he learned immediately in real-world settings.

“Studying psychology helped me better understand human behavior, while organizational leadership gave me practical tools to lead teams, navigate change, and strengthen organizational culture.” Together, these disciplines proved essential in people-centered nonprofit environments, strengthening his ability to lead teams, manage complexity, and support sustainable organizational growth. 

Before joining the Red Cross, a particular focus of his nonprofit work was supporting Cincinnati youth; helping run youth shelters, supporting community programming, and being involved with organizations like HEY (Hopeful Empowered Youth) and the YMCA. “I know firsthand how access to opportunities can shape a young person’s future. I was fortunate to have adults and experiences growing up that helped guide me. I also saw friends who didn’t have the same support. That stayed with me.” He recalls spotting the iconic red vests of Red Cross volunteers at the places he worked over the years. They were out there, like him, serving Cincinnati community members directly. But, he also has a much more personal connection to the organization. “Years ago, a very close family member experienced an apartment fire, and I saw firsthand how the Red Cross responded during that crisis.” They provided immediate support—a hotel, food vouchers, frequent check-ins—as well as stability and comfort in a moment of such intense fear and uncertainty. “That experience stayed with me throughout my career in nonprofit work. Years later, stepping into a leadership role within the Red Cross feels like an opportunity to help ensure that same care and support are available to others when they need it most.”

When asked about what he hopes to focus on as Executive Director, Sid’s face lit up.

With a laugh, Taylor adds, “My father was a pastor—so you may need to stop me if I get going.”

“One of the areas I’m most excited about is community mobilization,” a process which prioritizes community-driven solutions. Maintaining a dialogue with the community, and working with them to identify and address their goals. It allows local residents to be active participants in their own future. “I want people across all types of communities to feel supported and equipped when emergencies arise,” he says. Putting community first means creating more sustainable, lasting changes. The hope is to help communities build capacity, preparedness, and resilience before disasters happen.

When asked to describe his current work schedule, Sid laughs. I’m still logging around 50-60 hours weekly, he admits. In fact, he’s probably working away in his office as you’re reading this. There’s Ohio State paraphernalia on his desk too, beside photos of his wife and two sons. He’s the kind of person whose brain is always spinning, who never seems to sit still for long. He’s always looking ahead, seeing the bigger picture. Not discouraged by what is, but motivated by what could be. “I’m energized by the full scope of the Red Cross mission,” he says. Having spent less than a year now in the role, there is still so much more he hopes to work on and achieve as executive director—a role which he hopes to hold for years to come.