Rodrigo Carrillo oversees disaster preparedness, response and recovery

Rodrigo Carrillo, a Chicago native and proud son of Mexican immigrant parents, was named regional disaster officer for the Illinois Region. The position is part of the region’s leadership team. Rodrigo brings a unique blend of non-profit, private sector, and government experience to the Red Cross.

In his role, Carrillo directs the Region’s disaster preparedness, response and recovery services across six Red Cross chapters that collectively serve more than 12 million people across the region. Carrillo also manages a statewide team of volunteers and team members who are part of Disaster Cycle Services.

“I am thrilled that Rodrigo has joined Team Illinois to lead our disaster services,” said Celena Sarillo, regional chief executive officer of the Illinois Red Cross. “He brings a wealth of experience that will serve to enhance our readiness, strengthen relationships with our existing community partners, and identify opportunities to gain support in the communities we serve.”

During a disaster, local or national, the Red Cross provides safe shelter, food, emergency relief supplies, emotional support, health services and recovery assistance to those in need. These services are free and available to anyone who has experienced a disaster, which includes floods, home fires, hurricanes, storms, tornadoes and wildfires.

The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters a year in the U.S., and the majority are home fires. Home fires claim seven lives a day in the U.S. but working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half. The Red Cross installs free smoke alarms and teaches fire safety information through its Home Fire Campaign, now in its 10th year. Disaster Action Teams are available 24/7 year-round, in-person or virtually.

Carrillo has dedicated the past four years to public service as an employee with the State of Illinois. He most recently served as Associate Secretary of Program Operations & Emergency Management with the Illinois Department of Human Services. Carrillo led the efforts on resettlement and shelter operations for new arrivals from the southern border. Before this role, he served as the Director of Strategic Initiatives with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). As an advocate for equity and access, Carrillo created and led the department that focused on deploying funds to stabilize households in need during the pandemic.

Carrillo earned a master’s degree in public administration at the University of Texas at Permian Basin and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from East-West University.

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 or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.