Dr. Linda Braddy joined the American Red Cross North Texas Region as its CEO in February of 2023. Linda served as the president of Dallas College Brookhaven Campus from 2019 to 2023, where she was responsible for leading initiatives which contribute to the vibrancy, growth, and economic stability of Dallas County. Among her responsibilities, Linda served as interim provost while helping Dallas College restructure to meet the needs of students and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to joining Dallas College, Linda served in leadership roles at Tarrant County College Northeast Campus near Fort Worth. First, as dean of the division of mathematics and natural sciences, and later as vice president for academic affairs. Previously she served as deputy executive director of the Mathematical Association of America in Washington, D.C.

Linda is a committed volunteer and servant leader, serving as a court-appointed special advocate for Dallas CASA, the chair of the board of directors for Mathematics Learning by Inquiry Inc., the liaison to the board of directors for Metrocrest Services and the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce.

Wade Walrond has been with the American Red Cross since 1999 and joined the Central and South Texas Region in 2014. In September 2023, he was appointed Regional Chief Operating Officer, overseeing mission service delivery across an 83-county area serving more than 9 million Texans. His career began in the Service to the Armed Forces and International Services (SAF/IS) division, where he held progressive leadership roles supporting military families and service members in locations including Japan, the UK, Germany, Italy, and across the U.S. In Texas, he led SAF/IS efforts at Fort Cavazos, Joint Base San Antonio, and Fort Bliss, and deployed to Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait to provide emergency communications and morale support to deployed troops.

Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Mr. Walrond now resides in Leander, Texas with his wife Elizabeth Schirk-Walrond and their two children, Hayley and Owen. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, camping, and riding both his bicycle and motorcycle.

Brittney Rochell serves as the Chief Communications Officer for the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region and is a member of the organization’s National Spokesperson Team. Since joining the Red Cross in 2017, she has become a trusted leader in crisis communications, media relations, and strategic public messaging for one of the nation’s most active disaster‑response regions.

Brittney has deployed more than 25 times across the United States, frequently serving as the lead for Public Affairs during major disasters. Her work ensures communities receive timely, accurate, and compassionate information when it matters most. She is known for her energetic and innovative approach to communications, her ability to navigate high‑pressure environments, and her commitment to amplifying the Red Cross mission.

Before assuming her current role, Brittney advanced quickly through several communications leadership positions within the organization, strengthening brand visibility and public engagement across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and the Texas Gulf Coast.

She holds an associate’s degree in Interdisciplinary Sciences from Cameron University and both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Agricultural Communications from Oklahoma State University.

Edward Blanchard serves as the Regional Disaster Officer for the Texas Gulf Coast Region, bringing more than two decades of experience in disaster response, emergency services, and volunteer leadership. He joins the Texas team after three and a half years as the Regional Disaster Officer for New Jersey. Prior to that role, he served as the Deputy Disaster Officer for the Northern New England Region, supporting disaster operations across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Edward began his Red Cross journey in 2003 as a volunteer while completing his Eagle Scout project. He attended the Community College of Rhode Island and Roger Williams Medical while launching a fire service career as a Fire/Medic. Over the course of his service, he rose to the rank of station captain, where he served as EMS Coordinator, Instructor Coordinator, and Fire Instructor. His commitment to community extended beyond emergency response, including service in public office, participation on multiple boards, and volunteer work with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to strengthen youth training and education.

In 2005, Edward became a part‑time CPR instructor and continued expanding his volunteer involvement with Red Cross Disaster Services in Providence, Rhode Island. Throughout his Red Cross career, he has supported more than 50 disaster relief operations across the country. His national deployments include providing Health Services support following the 2015 typhoon in Saipan and serving as Operations Lead for a large‑scale sheltering mission in Houston after Hurricane Harvey, where he helped support more than 11,000 displaced residents.

Edward is passionate about building collaborative, mission‑driven teams and strengthening the volunteer workforce to meet the growing demand for disaster response. He brings a proven track record of leading complex operations under pressure and a deep commitment to serving communities with compassion, equity, and professionalism.

Angelina R. Garcia serves as the Executive Director of the Coastal Bend Chapter of the American Red Cross. Angelina (Angie) is a non-profit leader with over 26 years of experience. In her recent service to the community, Angelina served as Senior Director of Programs and Grants and Acting Executive Director during multiple periods of transition with Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi and Mother Teresa Shelter. As the Senior Director of Programs & Grants Angelina focused on sustaining essential services and oversight of the Long-Term Disaster response to Hurricane Harvey. Her professional experiences include serving as the Community Outreach Coordinator for CHRISTUS Spohn Health System, where she managed care teams comprised of Registered Nurses and Patient Navigators ensuring the continuum of care for patients discharging from in-patient care.

Angelina’s commitment to the community includes appointments to the Corpus Christi Mayor’s Fitness Council – Community Outreach/Special Events, West Oso School Health Advisory Council, Success by 6 Coalition – United Way of the Coastal Bend and recognized as LULAC Council #1, “2022 Outstanding Community Leader”. Angelina has a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. She is a life-long resident of Corpus Christi where she enjoys time with her two Children and three grandchildren!

Kayla Gonzalez serves as the Executive Director of the South Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross. Kayla is a non-profit leader with several years of experience. In her recent service to the community, Kayla served as the American Red Cross Volunteer Service recruiter for the South Texas Chapter. As the Volunteer Service recruiter Kayla focused on recruiting new volunteers to help us serve our communities in their time of need. Kayla’s commitment to the community includes working as the Branch Manager at a Staffing agency and served as the Interim Executive Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Los Fresnos.

Kayla holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix and recently received her certificate in Human Resources Management. She is a life-long resident of Harlingen where she enjoys time with her time with her husband and children!

Kimberly Cline serves as the Executive Director for the Southeast and Deep East Chapter of the American Red Cross. Kimberly (Kim) has built strong relationships within the Red Cross team and the broader Gulf Coast Region, leveraging her experience in sales, management, and community relations to grow the chapter’s volunteer base and donor participation. With a deep appreciation for the connections she has built over the years—ranging from elected officials to emergency management teams and local organizations—she is bringing people together in support of the Red Cross mission.

Recognizing that volunteers and funding are critical to sustaining disaster relief efforts, Kim is committed to implementing strategic outreach initiatives. She aims to engage the community through social media, events, and partnerships, ensuring that more people understand how they can contribute to the mission. Collaboration is key for her, and she has learned from regional leaders and successful chapters to bring best practices to the Southeast/Deep East Texas Chapter.