The American Red Cross has announced that Gail McGovern will retire as president and CEO on June 30, 2024, after more than 15 years at the helm, and will be succeeded by chief operating officer Cliff Holtz.

McGovern was the longest-serving CEO since the American Red Cross’s founder, Clara Barton, who established the organization in 1881 and led it until her retirement in 1904. McGovern has led the organization through major milestones, including developing a world-class system to ensure the highest standards of blood safety. At the same time, she put the Red Cross on the path to financial stability by managing expenses, enhancing fundraising, and reinvesting in service delivery. In her first two years as president and CEO, the organization eliminated a $209 million annual operating deficit.

Holtz leads strategy for the organization and under his direction the organization has achieved the financial stability required to put the Red Cross on a trajectory that will enable critical investments and mission growth, according to the American Red Cross.

“It has been the honor of my life to lead the American Red Cross and be part of an organization that serves millions of people at times when they are at their most vulnerable. The extraordinary skill, compassion, and commitment I have seen in our more than 300,000 volunteers and employees across this country humbles me every single day,” said McGovern. “I could not be prouder of how we have stepped up to address the challenges of our time.” 

“It has been a privilege to be a part of Gail’s leadership team these past 12 years. I am grateful for the support of the board of governors as the Red Cross faces unprecedented humanitarian needs,” said Holtz. “Our world is changing faster than any of us have anticipated—from escalating climate-driven disasters to a rise in tragic mass casualty events, the growing need to increase and diversify our blood donor base and complex international crises. People rely on us to be there. And it is my commitment to our country and to my colleagues that the Red Cross will be there for them, no matter what.” 

(Photo credit: Flickr/Red Cross NYC)