Everson Leaves IRS to Head Red Cross

“On behalf of the entire Board, the Red Cross is delighted to welcome such a capable and compassionate leader whose proven experience and leadership skills will bring valuable expertise to better prepare the American Red Cross to prevent, prepare and respond to the nation’s critical needs,” said Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Chairman of the Red Cross. “We know Mark will bring new energy and drive terrific results when his tenure officially begins next month.”

Mark Everson brings to the Red Cross an accomplished management record in both the public and private sectors. Everson has served as the 46th Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service since May 5, 2003. In this capacity, he developed and implemented a five-year strategic plan for the $10 billion, 100,000 person agency, which connected vision with measurable results. Everson earlier served as Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget where he chaired the President’s Management Council and was charged with strengthening and improving federal management and program performance. In the private sector, Everson served as Group Vice President – Finance for SC International, a $2 billion privately-owned food services company with leading market positions in airline catering and home meal solutions.

“It is an honor and a privilege to become part of such a vital and enduring humanitarian service organization. The Red Cross reaches out to those in need in communities across the nation and around the world,” said Everson. “I look forward to working with the outstanding volunteers, staff and Board during this defining period in the history of the Red Cross.”

Chairman McElveen-Hunter also extended the gratitude of the Red Cross Board of Governors to Interim President and CEO Jack McGuire, who will continue as Executive Vice President for Biomedical Services. “Jack’s work and that of his senior management team has strengthened the Red Cross’s ability to respond to major and catastrophic disasters. We thank Jack and his team for their steadfast leadership. I am confident the Red Cross is a better organization today because of their stewardship.”

With the arrival of Mr. Everson, the Red Cross will build upon enhancements to all Red Cross operations, particularly continuing to be vigilant custodians of the nation’s blood supply, supporting the U.S. armed forces and working to prepare all Americans to respond to future catastrophic events.

The American Red Cross helps to mobilize neighbors to help one another every day. Last year, victims of a record 72,883 disasters, mostly fires, turned to the nearly 1 million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross for help and hope.