The American Red Cross has named Mark Thomas as its new Wisconsin region chief executive officer and southeast Wisconsin chapter executive.
Thomas, formerly vice president and chief operating officer of Sojourner Family Peace Center in Milwaukee, assumes his new role this week.
He succeeds Patty Flowers, who recently retired after eight years as Wisconsin’s Red Cross regional chief executive officer. The organization’s Wisconsin operations include five chapter locations and seven blood donation centers.
Thomas was formerly the advertising director for the Milwaukee Business Journal, deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, executive director of Camp Whitcomb-Mason with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and senior vice president of circulation for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Thomas has fundraising experience working with the American Heart Association, United Performing Arts Fund and United Way.
“The staff, volunteers, donors and advocates at the Red Cross provide our state with a powerful resource for positive change, from home fire recovery and military support, to safety training, responses to national disasters and ensuring a strong blood supply,” Thomas said. “I am grateful to help lead such a highly regarded organization with a commitment to Milwaukee and Wisconsin that spans more than 100 years.”
