The American Red Cross has appointed Redmond resident Emily Fortman as its new regional director of preparedness and community engagement.

She will oversee local youth, community and workplace preparedness programs and the international services programs.

“We’re pleased to have Emily as a part of our Red Cross team,” said Randy Hutson, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross Western Washington Chapters. “Her dedication to the humanitarian mission and her extensive experience in community outreach and disaster preparedness will ensure our programs continued success and expansion.”

Fortman will primarily work with local organizations, corporate partners and volunteers to build new partnerships that help better prepare the community for disasters. Last year the Red Cross helped prepare more than 40,000 people throughout King and Kitsap counties by working with local schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations and community groups. The organization has a special focus on reaching low-income populations, new refugees and immigrants and other groups that may be more vulnerable in times of disaster.

Fortman comes to the Red Cross from Habitat for Humanity of East King County where she was the director of family services for four years. At Habitat, she was dedicated to ensuring that every Habitat homeowner received disaster preparedness training. She previously worked for the Red Cross as a client services coordinator helping clients recover from house fires and other disasters.

She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts from Washington State University and an International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance from Fordham University and the Center for International Humanitarian Cooperation.

“I am thrilled to be back on staff with the Red Cross to help expand its disaster preparedness programs throughout Western Washington” said Fortman. “I look forward to growing our outreach capacity by collaborating with community-based organizations, companies and our diverse group of volunteers. I feel honored to work with such an amazing group of committed and passionate people.”The American Red Cross is a non-profit, humanitarian agency dedicated to helping make families and communities safer at home and around the world.

For more information, visit www.seattleredcross.org.