Anne Chapman, Mission Committee (formerly known as Humanitarian Services Committee) Chair
What is your current professional role? Managing Director at Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher (a PR and crisis communication firm headquartered in NYC). My role involves advising on public company/shareholder engagement, providing education and training for management teams and board directors, advising on shareholder communications, hostile M&A or proxy fights. Not exactly a quiet post-retirement second career!
What was your first job? Babysitting, which I started at the responsible age of 11. I can’t believe neighborhood adults actually trusted me with their children -but it was very competitive and fairly lucrative in my home town, particularly if you’d been certified through a 3-day training course at the local library. This included first aid and CPR training from the Red Cross!
Where did you grow up? Logan, Utah – home of the Utah State Aggies and the most beautiful mountain valley I’ve ever seen.
What is a fun fact about you or a secret skill you have? Two things – my daughter believes I can make a delicious soup out of any random combination of ingredients, and I’m a self-taught DIYer. I tend to do lots of research to raise the odds that I’ll succeed (I’m certain there’s nothing that YouTube cannot teach!). I’ve made roman blinds, curtains, repurposed furniture; this year I’ve reupholstered dining chairs and bar stools – acquiring expertise with a pneumatic stapler along the way.
What is your personal connection to the Red Cross? While I was aware of the Red Cross and had periodic but minor interaction it really was the introduction of a friend and colleague that started my connection. I knew if Barbara Mathews was involved this was an organization worth getting to know. I have always been a preparedness geek (earthquake backpack in my car for decades, consideration of walking routes home along my commute – you get the picture) and was raised in a community that emphasized helping and service to others. I soon realized I’d found my people! I’m continually inspired and encouraged by the all-in commitment of the staff and volunteers – proud to be associated with you.
Learn more about the members of the Red Cross LA Region Board.
