Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

SALT LAKE CITY (April 7, 2022) — The American Red Cross of Utah today announced Jeremiah Lafranca has been named executive director of the Greater Salt Lake Chapter. The chapter serves more than 1.6 million people, including the residents of Salt Lake City, Park City, Tooele, Vernal and Heber City.

“My goal is to ensure our communities can feel our presence and know the depth and impact of the work of the American Red Cross in the Greater Salt Lake area,” he said. “I am honored to work alongside and coordinate the dedicated board of directors and Red Cross workforce who provide so much to those in need.”

As executive director, Lafranca will be conducting media interviews; coordinating with community partners and elected officials; fundraising for the Greater Salt Lake area; recruiting and engaging with volunteers; and enhancing relationships for blood donation and collection goals.

“I look forward to Jeremiah leading the Greater Salt Lake Chapter and bringing his experience to the Red Cross,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region.

Lafranca has an extensive history leading organizations and creating a supportive environment for staff and volunteers to flourish, shared Ruster. “His knowledge of the community and experience engaging civic leaders, elected officials, and business leaders will provide insight into the needs of the community,” she said.

As part of its humanitarian mission, the Red Cross of the Greater Salt Lake and Utah/Nevada Region provides emergency relief to residents impacted by disasters and supports service members and their families. It strives to make all local communities and cultural groups safer and more resilient through collecting blood; installing free smoke alarms; teaching health and safety skills such as CPR and first aid; and empowering residents with emergency preparedness skills.

Lafranca most recently served as executive director of the Master Builders Association of Pierce County in Washington. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University and the University of Toledo College of Law.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross