Mark Thomas Announces Retirement as Regional Executive and CEO of the American Red Cross of Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (March 27, 2025) – After more than six years of dedicated leadership, Mark Thomas, Regional Executive and CEO of the American Red Cross of Wisconsin, has announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2025. Thomas leaves behind a legacy of leadership, dedication, and a profound impact on both our region and national operations.

Thomas joined the American Red Cross in 2018 and has been a dedicated leader, coach, and collaborator. Known for his humor and ability to unite people, he guided the Wisconsin team through challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under his leadership, Wisconsin became a national leader in disaster response, deploying skilled teams across the country. He also helped launch a groundbreaking community mobilization project and significantly increased fundraising, growing contributions from $10M to over $15M. October 2024 marked Wisconsin’s most successful fundraising month ever.

Beyond the region, Thomas served as interim CEO of the Illinois Region and played key roles in national initiatives like the Sickle Cell Initiative and the National Diversity Advisory Council. He has also been a powerful spokesperson, inspiring others to support the Red Cross mission.

Thomas’ influence extends beyond his work with the Red Cross. He has been recognized as a respected business and community leader in the Milwaukee area, earning accolades such as being one of the six honorees of the Donald Driver 2022 Driven to Achieve Awards and inclusion in the Milwaukee Business Journal’s “Milwaukee Area’s Power Brokers” list for both 2024 and 2025.

The American Red Cross of Wisconsin will begin the search for Thomas’ successor in partnership with the Southeast Wisconsin Board. Thomas’ leadership and legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward in our mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

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.