Government Relations

Our Goal:

To create, through effective legislative and regulatory initiatives, a public policy environment at all levels of government that will forward the mission and strategic objectives of the American Red Cross.

About

Public Policy Priorities

Testimony & Letters

Our Responsibilities:

Representation before Congress and State Legislatures for the coordination and development of policy statements and testimony

Coordination of any requests and responses to the executive and legislative branches

Coordination and development of position statements before federal advisory committees and other forums

Articulation of Red Cross policy positions before representatives of executive branch agencies

Coordination and development of policy positions articulated by Red Cross staff serving on external task forces and committees

Advance notice of policy statements made by Red Cross employees in articles submitted for publication to scientific journals

Government Relations Contact Information

Contact us by email

Cherae Bishop
Senior Vice President, Government Relations

Jacqueline Godfrey Bassermann
Director, Government Relations

Julie Manes
Director, Government Relations

Eric Mondero
Director, Government Relations

Christina McWilson Thomas
Director, Government Relations

The below priorities help increase visibility of the American Red Cross among government officials and strategic partners, advocate for public policy priorities, identify and pursue future funding and cost saving opportunities and strengthen relationships with the US Congress, Federal agencies, state and local officials, and other nonprofit organizations.

Increased Awareness of Role in Disaster Planning and Response

Educate government officials and strategic partners on Disaster Services

Enhance support and funding opportunities for disaster response, infrastructure, readiness and response

Collaborate with government and strategic partners to increase the nation’s capacity to respond to human-caused and natural disasters

Engage government officials and strategic partners to assist in efforts to better serve diverse communities

Expanded Understanding of Preparedness, Health and Safety Initiatives

Educate government officials and strategic partners on Preparedness, Health and Safety

Build support for the Red Cross Health and Safety training as a recognized state and federal standard

Increased Engagement in Biomedical Services

Engage elected officials in a campaign to raise awareness of the need for blood and increase donor participation to maintain a stable, sustainable blood supply

Develop strategic relationships with diverse partners to focus on the need of increased donations from minority communities

Introduce legislation at state level to lower blood donor age to 16 with parental consent

Increased Awareness of Services to the Armed Forces (SAF) Activities

Engage government officials and strategic partners to raise awareness of SAF and further SAF priorities

Enhance support and funding opportunities for Services to the Armed Forces

Educate government officials and strategic partners on international services programs and International Humanitarian Law

Strengthen Relationships with Key Community Partners

Support enterprise-wide needs of internal support departments

Engage non-profit partners on select sector-wide priorities before government

Improve communications and relationships between local American Red Cross chapters, blood regions, BOG members and senior NHQ staff with federal and state lawmakers and executive branch agency officials

Create opportunities to place local Red Cross representatives before state and federal officials through Hill visits, site visits, orientations and briefings

Build awareness of and support for March is Red Cross Month

Jennifer Pipa, Vice President Disaster Programs - September 29, 2021 Before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Koby J. Langley, Senior Vice President, International Services and Service to the Armed Forces - June 24, 2021 in Support of Funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
Koby J. Langley, Senior Vice President, International Services and Service to the Armed Forces - May 19, 2021 in Support of Funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
Jennifer Pipa , Regional Executive Officer Central Florida Region - April 12, 2018 Before the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation in Support of Funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Harold Brooks, Sr. Vice President, International Services – April 15, 2016 Before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies in support of funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Suzy DeFrancis, Chief Public Affairs Officer – July 9, 2013 Before the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications

Harold Brooks, Sr. Vice President, International Services – May 6, 2013 Before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies in support of funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Global Immunization Program

Sherri L. Brown, SVP, Humanitarian Services - April 24, 2013 Before the Committee on Veterans Affairs United States Senate - Call to Action: VA Outreach and Community Partnerships

Gail J McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross - February 14, 2013 Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means. Hearing on Tax Reform and Charitable Contributions