For the next few days, the St. Louis Area Chapter is playing host to a special guest -- Jerry DeFrancisco, the President of Humanitarian Services for the American National Red Cross. 

St. Louis Area Chapter CEO Cindy Erickson with Jerry DeFrancisco, President of Humanitarian Services for the American National Red Cross.

Jerry started with the Red Cross just about a year ago, and he's second in command to Chief Executive Officer Gail McGovern. He's in St. Louis to discuss best practices among other Red Cross chapters from around the country. That is, what techniques, processes, and methods are successful at the Chapter level, and how those can be duplicated elsewhere.

This comes just one day after Gail McGovern gave an important speech to the National Press Club about the American Red Cross and it's financial situation. Essentially, the Red Cross has cut it's deficit by $159 million, and exceeded its fundraising goals.

It is a bonus that his trip to the Lou falls during the same time as our Chapter Volunteer Recognition Event! Tomorrow night he'll get to meet many of the 1,500 volunteers that work with the St. Louis Area Chapter, as well as Blood Services. Hope to see you there!

- Katie