The American Red Cross has name a United Way of Florida CEO as Regional CEO for Western and Central New York. Alan Turner II will lead Red Cross services across the 26-county region starting Nov. 5.
“Alan’s nonprofit experience and leadership skills will help the American Red Cross continue our mission of helping our neighbors in need,” said Mathieu Nelessen, Northeast Division Vice President. “Alan brings nearly 20 years of experience in non-profit organizations, community engagement, fundraising and a strong governmental background that will help lead the talented staff and volunteers we have supporting the Western New York region to continued success.”
Turner is an Upstate New York native with local roots. Among his accomplishments, he earned his Business degree at Daemen College and served as a Pharmacy Specialist with the 338th General Hospital Army Reserve Unit in Niagara Falls.
Before moving to Florida, Turner served as President and CEO for the United Way of Southwest Alabama, President and CEO for the United Way of West Tennessee, Executive Director of the Association of New York State Youth Bureaus and within the New York State Assembly.
Turner will be based in Syracuse and replace Regional Disaster Program Officer Kenneth Turner, who has been serving as Interim Regional CEO since Rosie Taravella accepted the same position with the New Jersey Region in June.
In just the last year, the Red Cross says it has provided immediate emergency assistance including temporary housing, food and clothing, comfort and support to 1,355 families following 866 fires and other disasters; made 2,622 households safer through the installation of 6,795 free smoke alarms as part of the Home Fire Campaign; taught 63,269 people lifesaving health and safety skills such as CPR and First Aid; provided 2,506 case services to support members of the military, veterans and their families; and helped collect 150,842 lifesaving blood donations from volunteer donors.
