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Pamela Jefsen, CEO of the American Red Cross, Greater Carolinas Chapter today announced her resignation effective June 9. Since joining the Red Cross 25 years ago Ms. Jefsen has embodied a true sense of passion and commitment to the Red Cross mission.  For the last six years, she has served as CEO for the Greater Carolinas Chapter in Charlotte, a position which included support and oversight to nine other North Carolina Red Cross chapters.

During her tenure in Charlotte, Jefsen led as the chapter:

• Sheltered and assisted over 4,000 evacuees who came to Charlotte after Hurricane Katrina
  
• Increased percentage of the chapter’s minority volunteer leadership by 900% and the percentage of minority professional staff by 30%
  
• Provided Charlotte trained volunteers to aid our neighbors in other parts of the country for hurricanes named Charley, Frances, Gaston, Ivan, Jeanne, Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike, Omar, Fran, and Alberto
  
• Created an online training program in response to a pandemic threat

According to Michael Rash, Greater Carolinas Chapter Board Chair, “Together, with her leadership team, staff and volunteers, Pam leaves behind a wide range of accomplishments.  She has enhanced the quality of many lives in our North Carolina communities and we are grateful for her dedicated service.

In a letter to the local team of volunteers and staff, Jefsen commented, “These are not MY accomplishments but OUR accomplishments.  Without each and every one of you, this would not have been possible.  I will be eternally grateful that you have allowed me to provide leadership to this chapter for the last six years, and trust that the Chapter and region will continue to flourish and provide even greater service in the years to come.”

Teresa Caver, 30-year Red Cross employee and volunteer will serve as the interim leader of the chapter.  She will begin in that position at the chapter in early June. During this time, Red Cross services will continue as usual in all of the communities served by the Greater Carolina’s Chapter.

The Red Cross will continue to provide essential programs and services to our community during this transition period. We will still be there when a family loses their home to a fire. We will continue to connect military members and their families during times of emergency. We will provide rides for residents who have no other means of transportation to critical medical appointments.