American Red Cross of Wisconsin Welcomes New Regional CEO Catherine Rabenstine

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (July 21, 2025) – The American Red Cross of Wisconsin is pleased to announce that Catherine (Cat) Rabenstine has been named new Regional Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Rabenstine has executive oversight of disaster preparedness and response, fundraising, operations, services to military members, veterans, and their families, and volunteer services.

Rabenstine brings over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the top leadership position in the Wisconsin Region. She joined the communications team of the American Red Cross of Illinois in 2016 and became the Chief Operating Officer of the region in 2018. In this role, she managed regional business operations, including expense management, real estate operations, and strategic planning. Most recently, she served as the Interim CEO for the Illinois Region – one of the largest regions of the Red Cross, serving 88 counties and more than 12.2 million people in 5 chapters.

“Cat is an accomplished leader with a heart for community service,” said Sue Shimoyama-See, Board Chair, American Red Cross Southeast Wisconsin Chapter. “Her expertise in operational strategy, inclusive leadership, and disaster response will be instrumental in advancing the Red Cross mission across Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.”

This new role marks a homecoming for Rabenstine, who went to high school in Madison, where her family still lives. “Returning to Wisconsin to serve the communities that shaped me is an incredible honor,” said Rabenstine. “I look forward to leading with heart, strategy, and a deep commitment to the people we serve.”

Rabenstine earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Peace Studies from Loyola University Chicago and her master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. She was selected as a 2025 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and is a member of the COO Forum. She also served on the board of Public Narrative. Rabenstine has also been a coach for students with One Million Degrees and was a participant in the Young Nonprofit Professionals of Chicago Leadership Institute.

While her responsibilities will include the entire Wisconsin Red Cross region, Rabenstine will be based out of the Milwaukee headquarters. In addition to the regional CEO position, Rabenstine will also serve as executive director of the Southeast Wisconsin Chapter, which serves Dodge, Washington, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha counties.

The American Red Cross of Wisconsin works from five state chapters and proudly serves 68 counties in Wisconsin and eight counties in the U.P., delivering disaster care, veteran support, blood services, and health/safety classes to 5.8 million people.

Rabenstine officially began her new role on June 9. Mark Thomas, who previously served as the regional CEO, retired on July 4, 2025.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.