The American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter has appointed Susan Roberts as Executive Director.

In her role as Executive Director, Susan will be working with the Red Cross Rhode Island Board of Directors to help build relationships and partnerships in the community. In addition, Susan will be working with key stakeholder groups to help grow and advance the mission of the Red Cross.

Susan comes to the Red Cross from the American Cancer Society where she was the Rhode Island State Director of Government Relations and Advocacy. During her seventeen years at the American Cancer Society, Susan worked with Congress, state legislatures, and local jurisdictions advocating for government policy and legislation to eliminate cancer as a major health issue.

“We are thrilled to have Susan join us as our executive director in Rhode Island,” said Mario Bruno, CEO, American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region. “Susan’s experience in the non-profit sector and her advocacy work in both government and communities make her an excellent fit to raise awareness about the mission of the Red Cross.

Susan grew up in Indiana, where she graduated from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University. She has always felt compelled to assist in her community in an effort to improve life for all. Susan began her community work as a legislative liaison for the Governor’s Commission for a Drug Free Indiana. She was drawn into advocating for cancer patients and changing public policy regarding treatment protocols when she saw a discrepancy in the level of care patients received as a result of poor insurance.  Before moving to Rhode Island from Pennsylvania, Susan received a Commendation from the Governor for her leadership in the development of the first-ever State Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan.

About her new position, Susan says “I am excited to be a part of this phenomenal, humanitarian organization, and I look forward to serving the American Red Cross.” She further expressed that it is an honor for her to represent and assist the many individuals volunteering and working for the American Red Cross. Susan lives by the motto “Be the voice for those who have no voice.”

Susan is the mother of two grown children and currently resides in the Warwick area.

 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 redcross.org/ri or visit us on Twitter at @RIRedCross.

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