Ventura County Red Cross welcomes new CEO

Chris Johnson After a nationwide search that drew more than 80 applicants, the American Red Cross of Ventura County, announced that the search committee has selected Chris Johnson from Benicia, Calif., as the next chief executive officer for the chapter.

Johnson has served the American Red Cross for more than a decade and is currently the communications and government relations officer for Red Cross chapters in California, Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

He has also worked as director of development and communications with both the San Francisco Bay Area and Colorado Springs chapters of the Red Cross.

As a member of the national Public Affairs Rapid Response Team, Johnson has been deployed as a spokesperson for the Red Cross to disasters all over the country. During the Ventura County storms and La Conchita mudslides of 2005, Johnson was on the ground here locally, helping to get vital information to the public.

"Chris seemed like the perfect choice because of his Red Cross experience, his outgoing personality and his ability to get people working toward a common goal," said Bob Roper, Ventura County Red Cross chairman. "Local board members who participated in the selection process are pleased with the results.

Johnson was attracted to the Ventura County chapter for a variety of reasons.

"I've always been impressed with the Ventura County chapter," he said. "They have a terrific reputation and amazing volunteers who leave their homes at 3 in the morning to give a hug of support to someone they've never met. The community is extremely supportive and caring, and the unique quality of life is a perfect match for our family," said Johnson.

Johnson is a third-generation Californian and has been married for 22 years to Laura, who works with special needs children. Together they have two children, a son, Taylor, 17, and daughter, Ariana, 13.

In addition to his role with the Red Cross, Johnson has been an

active member of the community, serving on the boards of many nonprofit and service organizations including Teen Court, Ronald McDonald House, Junior Achievement, March of Dimes, Lions and Rotary.