Warwick resident named chief people officer at Red Cross

New York — Joanne Rencher, a highly experienced nonprofit and for-profit human resources and organizational development executive, has been named to the newly created position of chief people officer at the American Red Cross in Greater New York, the largest Red Cross chapter in the U.S., helping nine million people in New York City and Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan counties prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. “Our volunteers and employees are our greatest asset,” said Theresa A. Bischoff, CEO, American Red Cross in Greater New York. “To fulfill our expanded role of preparing both New Yorkers and ourselves for major natural and man-made emergencies, and to maximize the potential of all staff members, we need to stay on the cutting edge of human resource recruitment, training and development strategies. Joanne is the perfect choice to lead this new initiative.” During the past six years, Rencher has served as vice president for human resources at IAVI, the international AIDS vaccine research and development organization that is based in New York and operates in 23 countries. At IAVI, Rencher introduced new performance management tools while building an international HR department to meet expanding global needs. She also worked closely with IAVI’s board of directors and many other constituents. “I am delighted to be joining the American Red Cross in Greater New York,” said Rencher. “The chapter plays a vital role for the residents of New York City and surrounding counties by continually delivering humanitarian services to those affected by emergencies. “I look forward to helping the chapter increase its ability to effectively help New Yorkers prepare for emergencies. I also will be supporting our emergency response capabilities by expanding the chapter’s outreach for volunteers, by employing new retention techniques and by strengthening our training and development programs.” Rencher joins the senior management team at the chapter, led by Bischoff, which also includes Chief Response Officer Scott A. Graham, Chief Administrative Officer Richard C. Kane and Chief External Affairs Officer Rosemary W. Mackey. Rencher holds a B.S. degree in business, management and economics and has completed several certificate programs through the Society for Human Resources Management. She resides with her husband, Steven, and their children in Warwick.