American Red Cross of Santa Monica has named Julie Thomas as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Wendy Jacobs who left the post to become the Director of Development at the Painted Turtle.
Thomas has an extensive background in nonprofit fundraising and her appointment is effective immediately.
She will oversee the chapter’s operations and head all fundraising efforts.
“I will work toward assembling the resources we need so that we can continue to provide the high level of service the community expects from the American Red Cross,” Thomas said. “I’m thrilled to be in Santa Monica. This is the place I want to work because the members of the chapter’s Board of Directors are so committed to excellence and where the community support of the Red Cross is so positive.”
She comes to the Santa Monica Red Cross from Loma Linda, CA, where she was Executive Director for the Inland Empire Division of the American Heart Association in Riverside, CA. There, she oversaw and managed all development operations.
Previous to her stint in Riverside, Thomas was with the American Heart Association in Burlingame, CA., where she was responsible for managing the day-to day operation of youth market activities for the entire Western States Affiliate. She joined the American Heart Association in 2006.
Prior to joining the American Heart Association, Thomas was the Northern California chapter CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Oakland, CA, where she managed and supervised all chapter activities including development, financial management and client services.
She joined the Multiple Sclerosis Society in 1978 where she progressed from Readathon coordinator in Lansing, Michigan to Regional Fundraising Coordinator, Development Director and finally to Area Development Consultant based in Detroit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications/English from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.
Thomas is based at the Santa Monica Red Cross chapter at 1450 11th Street in Santa Monica. She can be contacted at 310.394.3773 and her email address is julie.thomas@redcross.org.
The American Red Cross of Santa Monica is a publicly supported, 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation that provides health and safety education, youth services, CPR and first aid training, disaster awareness and disaster relief efforts.
For additional information or to inquire about other programs or assistance call 310.394.3773 or go online at www.redcrossla.org/santamonica.
