Media Contact: Jennifer Warren
414-363-0425 | Jennifer.Warren@redcross.org
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Sept. 28, 2026) – The American Red Cross of Wisconsin is pleased to announce that Nick Cluppert has been named the region's new Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this role, Cluppert will provide strategic leadership and executive oversight of regional operations, workforce engagement, facilities management, financial stewardship, and organizational effectiveness across Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Cluppert brings nearly 20 years of Red Cross experience and a proven track record of leading complex operations, strengthening organizational effectiveness, and advancing mission delivery. Throughout his career, he has successfully translated strategy into action, developed high-performing teams, and ensured operational readiness across multiple states and lines of service.Most recently, Cluppert served in several leadership roles within the Minnesota and Dakotas Region, including Interim Chapter Executive Director, Interim Chief Operating Officer, and Senior Community Disaster Program Manager. In those positions, he provided strategic leadership for multi-state operations, financial oversight, workforce engagement, facilities management, and disaster readiness initiatives.
"Nick's deep operational expertise, commitment to excellence, and passion for developing people make him an outstanding addition to our executive leadership team," said Catherine Rabenstine, regional chief executive officer for the American Red Cross of Wisconsin. "His extensive Red Cross experience, coupled with his collaborative leadership style and strong understanding of our mission, will help strengthen our ability to serve communities across Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan."
This new role marks a return to Wisconsin for Cluppert, who previously served in several Disaster Services leadership positions across the state from 2006 through 2021. During that time, he built strong community partnerships, developed staff and volunteer leaders, and helped enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities throughout the region.
"I am honored to return to Wisconsin and serve alongside the dedicated staff and volunteers who make our mission possible every day," said Cluppert. "The Red Cross has been an important part of my life and career for nearly two decades, and I look forward to helping strengthen our operations and support the communities we serve."
Cluppert's disaster leadership experience includes serving in key roles on numerous large-scale relief operations across the country, including hurricane, flood, tornado, and wildfire responses. He has helped lead disaster readiness and response efforts at both the regional and national levels, ensuring communities receive critical support when they need it most.
Cluppert officially begins his new role on September 28 and will be based in Milwaukee.
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 follow us on social media.
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