Red Cross regional CEO to step down

The Regional CEO of the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross is stepping down, the organization announced Thursday. Chad Priest is leaving next month to become vice president of the Southwest and Rocky Mountain division of the American National Red Cross.

Priest has led the Indiana region since 2015. During his tenure, the organization raised nearly $150 million for regional and national efforts.

He has also served as an adjunct assistant professor of emergency medicine at the IU School of Medicine since 2013.

“Under Chad’s tenure, our region has successfully navigated through some unprecedented challenges, but he persisted in pioneering inventive strategies to our service delivery to better serve our communities across Indiana and parts of Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio,” Dr. Gen Shaker, Greater Indy Chapter board president, said in written remarks. “Our region is in a better position than ever before thanks to Chad’s forward-thinking and bold approach.”

Priest’s new position covers the Red Cross’ largest division, which includes Nevada, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana.

He will begin his new role Oct. 16.

The Red Cross says it will immediately begin a search for Priest’s successor in the Indiana region. Current Chief Operating Officer Courtney VanJelgerhuis will serve as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is named.