ORGANIZATION
American Red Cross San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter
Name: Joe W. Craver
Title: CEO
MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION: We serve to relieve human suffering by preventing, preparing for and responding to emergencies.
TELEPHONE: 858-309-1200.
WEB SITE: sdarc.org.
FOUNDED: San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter , 1917; American Red Cross , 1881.
MILESTONE: Doubled our chapter disaster response capability in the first six months of this fiscal year. Now capable of opening 11 shelters simultaneously.
ANNUAL INCOME: $11 million.
EXPENSE ALLOCATION: $10.5 million.
BOARD CHAIR: Alexis S. Gutierrez, Esq.
BOARD MEMBERS: 14.
EMPLOYEES: 201.
VOLUNTEERS: 1,235.
EVENTS: Real Heroes; CPR Saturday; Volunteer Recognition; Lifeguard Games.
WISH LIST: Triple our disaster preparedness capability; increase our capability to grow our Support to Armed Forces (SAF) program through an increase in donations; prepare 1 million San Diego and Imperial Valley residents in emergency preparedness.
OFFICE ISSUES
RECENT CHALLENGE: The worst economic environment in 80 years, although this chapter continues to grow and thrive during this crisis thanks to the support of the community.
MEASURES OF SUCCESS: Ability to respond effectively, professionally and timely during a crisis. Fiscal responsibility and our overall goal to exceed expectations.
SMARTEST MOVE: Hiring a highly motivated, intelligent and professional leadership team.
MISSED OPPORTUNITY: Having additional office space to accommodate the growth in our Response Department.
MISCONCEPTION: Our Services to Armed Forces program and the fact that the Red Cross is government-mandated to run the program, but the program receives no federal funding and relies on the generosity of donors.
PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS
PERSONAL PATH TO NONPROFIT WORK: I have alwayss believed in giving back to the community and have lived my life trying to help others. I truly enjoy humanitarianism.
TOUGHEST ASPECT: Fundraising during a very challenging economic environment.
MOST SURPRISING ASPECT: The tremendous support and generosity of the San Diego community and our very special donors.
BIGGEST PAIN: Never knowing when a natural disaster will occur.
GREATEST PLEASURE: Watching every day how much is accomplished by our great volunteers and staff. It’s an endless job and they are always prepared to help another person in a moment’s notice.
INTROSPECTIONS
BEST RECENT MOMENT: Enjoying a very relaxing and beautiful vacation on the East Coast with my wife of 56 years!
WORST RECENT MOMENT: Having two wisdom teeth pulled!
DREAM FOR ANOTHER LIFE: I have a great deal of respect for all branches of the military and have enjoyed every aspect of the Air Force. But if I had a chance to try something different it might have been to join the Marine Corps Aviation.
DOWNTIME: Enjoying special moments around the San Diego Bay on our boat.
CAUSES: Travel industry, service to military, humanitarian programs and efforts.
MOST LIKE TO MEET: Pope.