American Red Cross President and CEO Resigns
American Red Cross President and CEO Resigns
The American Red Cross has announced the resignation of Mark W. Everson, who joined the relief organization as president and CEO on May 29, 2007. General counsel Mary S. Elcano will step in as interim president and CEO, and a search committee has been formed to identify a permanent replacement.
The board acted after learning that Everson had engaged in a personal relationship with a female subordinate. In a brief statement posted on the organization's Web site, Everson, who is married and the father of two grown children, said he regretted that it was impossible for him to continue in a job so recently undertaken. "I leave," he added, "with extraordinary admiration for the American Red Cross, the service its men and women provide our nation, and for the humanitarian work of the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement across the world."
The Red Cross has had several short-term CEOs and engaged in two year-long national searches to fill the position since 1999, when Elizabeth Dole left the organization to run, successfully, for the U.S. Senate. Dr. Bernadine Healy was ousted after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and clashes with the board. Marsha Evans also left following a power struggle with the board. Prior to his resignation, Everson, who had served as commissioner of the Inernal Revenue Service and before that as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, was seen as a seasoned leader capable of dealing with the organization's sprawling bureaucracy and navigating the politics of Washington.
"Although this is difficult and disappointing news for the Red Cross community, the organization remains strong, and the life-saving mission and work of the American Red Cross will go forward," said board chair Bonnie McElveen-Hunter. "Mary Elcano, who has ably served as our general counsel for the past five years, will continue to provide leadership, stability, and continuity until a successor is chosen."
Strom, Stephanie.
“Red Cross Fires Its President, Citing Relationship.”
New York Times
11/28/07.
Rucker, Philip.
“President of Red Cross Is Forced to Resign.”
Washington Post
11/28/07.
“American Red Cross CEO Mark W. Everson Resigns.”
American Red Cross Press Release
11/27/07.
Primary Subject: Philanthropy and Voluntarism
Location(s): National, Washington, DC
FC011251
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