Joel W. Hass has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Central Florida. Matt Davies, Chairman of the Board of the Red Cross and CEO of United Healthcare, said, “Mr. Hass’ extensive experience in healthcare issues and his deep understanding of, and commitment to, the Central Florida community make him an ideal candidate.”

Hass currently serves as the Vice President of Regional Development for Florida Hospital West Volusia Division. Previously he served as the President of the Florida Hospital Foundation. Prior to moving to Florida, Hass was President of Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos, Texas, for 9 years.

Since arriving in Orlando, Mr. Hass has been involved in a number of community based initiatives. He is currently serving as Chairman of myregion.org, a seven-county initiative to build a regional agenda for Central Florida. myregion.org has involved more than two thousand people in a regional discussion pertaining to thirteen critical systems within our region, including culture, history, transportation, technology and healthcare. In July of 2003, myregion.org will produce a regional SourceBook which can be utilized throughout our seven-county region.

Mr. Hass also serves as Vice Chairman of Community Partnerships for the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce. He is known throughout our region as a community builder. Jacob Stuart, President of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce and of myregion.org says, “Joel’s leadership skills in community building, consensus building and collaboration will be an asset to our family of communities and to the American Red Cross.”

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to the victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross is dedicated to saving lives, easing suffering and restoring hope at home and around the world. Your local chapter, the American Red Cross of Central Florida, provides programs and services in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. On average, the chapter’s employees and volunteers provide assistance to an average of one family each day-this assistance includes emergency food, clothing, medicine, eyeglasses, mental health, shelter, and recovery plans, among other things. Every day, the chapter serves as a vital communication link between members of the armed forces and their families in our community. Lifesaving classes such as First Aid/CPR, Automatic External Defibrillator Training, Water Safety, and HIV/AIDS are available throughout the service area on a regular basis. To learn more, to inquire about becoming a volunteer, or to make a contribution, please contact the American Red Cross of Central Florida at (407) 894-4141 or go to our website at http://CentralFlorida.RedCross.org. Together, we can save a life.