TYLER, TEXAS, MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 — The American Red Cross introduces Karen Holt as the executive director of the East Texas Chapter of the Red Cross North Texas Region. Holt will be based in Tyler and Longview, where she will oversee Red Cross programs and services for over 810,000 people throughout Anderson, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Panola, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood counties.
“We are excited to welcome Karen to the American Red Cross as our new executive director in East Texas,” said Keith Rhodes, CEO, American Red Cross North Texas Region. “Her professional experience and deep ties to the area will be invaluable resources that help her build strong relationships and foster existing ones throughout the chapter.”
To welcome Holt, the East Texas Chapter is holding an open house at its office in Tyler (320 E. Rieck Rd.) on Thursday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees will enjoy food, beverages, door prizes, raffle giveaways and demonstrations from different Red Cross departments.
Holt has a passion for volunteerism—serving on city, county and state boards—and is a New Diana ISD trustee, where she has served the past eight years. She has also helped the most vulnerable in the Tyler and Longview areas, serving as the executive director of East Texas CASA and previously as the housing navigator with Community Healthcore prior to joining the Red Cross.
Originally from Henderson, Texas, Holt now lives in Diana, Texas in Upshur County. She has raised three children—Haleigh, Addison and Claire.
“My entire career has led me to provide the gift of service to others,” said Holt. “I have served in several roles with non-profit organizations and to me, the American Red Cross signifies the highest of esteemed organizations that I am honored to work with.
“With over 25 years working for and with various non-profits, there was not a person that at one time or another has not benefited from the Red Cross during a time of great need or tragedy. I am excited to work for the most esteemed non-profit in our great country, the American Red Cross.”
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.