NEWARK, Ohio — Today the American Red Cross announced the retirement of Rod Cook, Executive Director of the East Central Ohio Chapter, after 23 years of passionate service to the community. Cook’s retirement is effective May 22, 2026.

Cook’s chapter currently encompasses the counties of Athens, Crawford, Richland, Morrow, Marion, Knox, Licking, Coshocton, Guernsey, Noble, Morgan, Perry, and Muskingum. While the boundaries and name of Cook’s chapter have evolved over the years, he’s remained a compassionate presence in Mid‑Ohio to the Southeastern corridor during his tenure. Partnership-building has been the foundation of Cook’s work over the years, forging relationships with other nonprofit organizations, community groups, foundations, first responders and companies to extend the mission and work of the Red Cross. 

Cook was instrumental in strategizing and fundraising for the American Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center in Newark, Ohio. Since its opening in December of 2024, the Newark blood center has collected nearly three thousand red cell products.  

Cook also worked with Red Cross leaders at the national level to develop the Latino Engagement Initiative, which is committed to enhancing how the Red Cross delivers services, deepens partnerships, and engages meaningfully with Latino communities. Cook has traveled to national disasters ensuring that impacted Latino communities are being properly served as well as all communities devasted by disaster.   

Before coming to the Red Cross, Cook worked for several non-profit organizations, including the Peace Corps in Guatemala where he served for three years and then trained Peace Corps volunteers who served in Guatemala, Honduras and Equatorial Guinea, for four additional years.

When asked his most proud accomplishment, Cook said, “It would probably have to be building the chapter I was honored to serve it into a strong, extensive network across many counties dedicated to improving their communities. This was accomplished only by partnering with so many individuals and organizations set on helping others.”

To schedule an interview with Rod Cook, please contact Marita Salkowski 513-477-1694.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross 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 a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross/newark or join us on Facebook and X at @ARCcsor or on LinkedIn ARC Central and Southern Ohio