Stacy Burks has been on the job for 2 days, and she has much to learn. The new executive director of the American Red Cross of Southern Missouri, has a lot of responsibilities. The region covers 29 Missouri counties. Its headquarters are in Springfield, but there are offices in Lebanon, West Plains , Nevada and Joplin. Approximately 1400 volunteers make the work of the Red Cross possible.
Burks will serve as the face of the Red Cross and oversee service delivery.
She explains her goals for the position.
"To continue to build partnerships and build relationships with other organizations throughout Southwest Missouri, including non-profits, United Way, disaster organizations and our emergency preparedness and our emergency contacts within the region," she said.
Red Cross volunteers help out in disaster situations across the country. Most frequently, the Red Cross steps in after a fire to offer financial assistance and comfort to victims.
Burks is a 2005 graduate of Leadership Missouri and past board member for Leadership Springfield. She earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
She comes to the Red Cross position after several years of working in the field offices of U.S. Senators Roy Blunt and Kit Bond.