LOS ANGELES, April 21, 2021 — The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region announced today that Thomas Hill has been named the new Regional Disaster Officer (RDO) serving more than 10 million residents in 88 cities across Los Angeles County.
With a 20-year career as a senior humanitarian leader focused on disaster relief and development, the Red Cross is excited to welcome Hill to the LA Region. Hill’s experience and skills will be an excellent addition to one of the largest Disaster response teams at the Red Cross.
“The breadth and scope of Thomas’ experience is exactly what the Red Cross LA Region needs as we head into what may be among our busiest wildfire season on record” said Joanne Nowlin, CEO for the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “As director of all our disaster operations, Thomas’ strong leadership experience, broad humanitarian relief work and passion for the Red Cross mission will guide us in making our communities more resilient and support our responses when disaster hits.”
Hill is joining the organization following the worst wildfire season on the West coast. Unfortunately, if early indicators are correct, this year might be an even more tense season. Hill will be directing the Disaster Cycle Services Department, which means a staff of about 25, and volunteer team of about 400.
As part of its humanitarian mission, the Red Cross Los Angeles Region provides emergency relief to residents impacted by disasters and supports our service members and their families. It strives to make all local communities and cultural groups safer and more resilient through collecting lifesaving blood, installing free smoke alarms, teaching health and safety skills such as CPR, water safety, and first aid; and by empowering its neighbors with emergency preparedness skills.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA or @CruzRojaLA.