Meet the Red Cross’ new boss

The Red Cross, Santa Barbara County chapter, announced the appointment of Louise Kolbert as its new CEO.

According to the chapter, Kolbert is the most experienced person to ever serve as CEO. She’s held many leadership positions in the American Red Cross over the past 30 years, including building senior consultant at the organization’s National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. She most recently served as director of disaster services for the Santa Barbara County Chapter.

Kolbert has managed efforts after multiple national disasters since 1990, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and various Southern California wildfires.

For more information, contact the American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County chapter, at 928-0778.

This article appears in Jul 30 – Aug 6, 2009.