By Carol Grinage

For Karen Holt, the American Red Cross NTX is not just her job – it is her passion. When Holt became executive director of the East Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross North Texas Region in May 2022, she continued her work in advocating for others.

"My passion and talent is with advocacy," Holt said, and she chose the Red Cross to continue this advocacy because it "is the most accomplished, oldest and largest non-profit."

She was also impressed with what the Red Cross does locally and that it "is heavily volunteer based."

"My heart and passion are volunteerism," explained Holt. "This is not just a job. I live this in my personal life."

Holt said one of her many goals with the Red Cross in East Texas is to "ensure the community knows what the Red Cross does."

Holt recently managed the merger of two chapters in East Texas to make one more extensive chapter that now includes 29 counties with 1.9 million people. Volunteers respond to local disasters, support the armed forces men and women and support blood collection.

Holt also wants to increase the volunteer base in the community.

"I want to re-ignite the passion for volunteers and volunteerism," she said. "I am really trying to get the youth involved. We have started two Red Cross clubs at local high schools."

In her free time, Holt loves to travel and work in her yard and garden. She also loves reading, and there is "no rhyme or reason" to what she reads.

Pickleball is her new hobby, which she says is "fun and good exercise."

"I don't meet a stranger," says Holt. "I have a gift of gab and a gift of passion."

Holt has volunteered with the Arc of Texas, the City of Longview and the New Diana Independent School District.

She began her career in residential and property management, then moved into low-incoming housing, where she started advocating for affordable housing. In time, she transitioned "switched from housing management to being an advocate on the non-profit side."