- By K Minnix
- Around Town
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The Tompkins County Chapter of the American Red Cross has appointed Brian L. McConnell as Interim Executive Director while the chapter begins the Executive Director search process. He will formally begin the position on March 2, 2009.Currently, McConnell is the Executive Director of the Greater Steuben Chapter of the American Red Cross, a position he accepted in July 2003. He and his staff are responsible for delivering American Red Cross humanitarian services to 98,000 Steuben County residents including 9000 presenting blood donors, 6000 health and safety participants, and 30,000 meals from the chapter’s food pantry.
McConnell has served with the American Red Cross for more than fourteen years beginning as a local disaster action team volunteer. In 1998 he accepted the Emergency Community Services Director position with the then Chemung-Schuyler Chapter in Elmira. During his time in the position McConnell was appointed the New York State Disaster Lead for the Southern Tier with preparedness and response responsibility reaching from Cooperstown to Hornell.
“We are very appreciative of Brian’s willingness to help our chapter during this transition. The Board is excited to have an experienced Red Cross executive at the helm while we conduct our search for permanent leadership and look for forward to working with Brian during his time at the Tompkins County Chapter”, said Dr. Linda Andrei, Chair of the Tompkins County American Red Cross Chapter Board of Directors.
In addition to his work with the American Red Cross, he is an active community member serving as past Corning Rotary president, past member of the Corning Salvation Army Advisory Board, and as a loaned executive and cabinet member for the United Way of the Southern Tier.
As Interim Director, McConnell will be in the Ithaca Chapter office to support daily operations for the Tompkins County Chapter staff and volunteers. Under his leadership, the Chapter will continue to deliver the vital services the community depends on while the search for a new executive director is carried out.
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