Houlihan tapped as new CEO for Red Cross of Alaska

Special to the Frontiersman

ANCHORAGE — The American Red Cross of Alaska announced Friday the selection of Michelle Houlihan as its new chief executive Of-ficer. The an-nouncement was made by James Young, volunteer chair of the board of di-rectors of the Red Cross chapter.

“We are truly pleased to have found a leader of such outstanding caliber here in Alaska,” Young said in announcing the completion of a four-month nationwide search. “Ms. Houlihan has demonstrated through her career her ability to build productive, team-oriented organizations,” he added, “while simultaneously fostering partnerships with diverse community constituencies.”

Houlihan comes to the Red Cross from the Boys and Girls Club of South-central Alaska, where she served as vice president of community investors.

“There are similarities between the Boys and Girls Club and the Red Cross,” Houlihan said. “They are both quality institutions dedicated to helping people. I am so excited to have the tremendous opportunity to lead an outstanding organization like the Red Cross, which provides critical assistance to Alaskans who really need the help.”

The board selected Houlihan for her extensive background in nonprofit management and an ability to successfully raise funds.

Houlihan served at the Boys and Girls Club for 11 years as a member of the senior management team. Young also praised Houlihan’s financial management, strategic planning and staff development skills.

Houlihan said her top priority as CEO will be to continue providing quality services by streamlining processes involved.

“I look forward to working with the dynamic team of dedicated volunteers and staff here at the American Red Cross,” she said. “Together, we will continue to provide critical assistance to Alaskans in need and strengthen our communities with life-saving training in the most effective and efficient manner.”

Houlihan replaces CEO Joe Mathis, who left the American Red Cross of Alaska to return to a position with NANA Development Corp., where he will oversee the chapter’s statewide operations with district offices in Fairbanks, Juneau, Kodiak and Anchorage, Soldotna and Wasilla.