Red Cross chief quits for L.A. posting

By Kapono Dowson
Advertiser Staff Writer

The state chapter of the American Red Cross will say farewell to its chief executive officer this week.

Roger Dickson has resigned to be chief operating officer of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter. His last day is Friday.

Named CEO of Hawai'i's Red Cross two years ago, Dickson helped restructure the state chapter to streamline delivery of services, said Hawai'i Red Cross spokeswoman Jocelyn Collado. He also initiated a strategic plan for the local chapter, she said.

During his two-year tenure, Dickson said, the agency focused on improving its fund-raising, strengthening its Neighbor Island offices and communicating better with volunteers, clients, donors and the community.

The Greater Los Angeles chapter is the second-largest Red Cross chapter in the nation after New York City, Dickson said.

He has been with the Red Cross for 30 years, holding key positions in chapters across the United States as well as with national headquarters in Washington, D.C., Collado said.

A search has begun for his replacement. Hawai'i's chief operating officer, Cassandra Ely, will serve as interim CEO.