Red Cross Top Official Steps Down
Charity Says Departure Unrelated to Katrina
By Jacqueline L. Salmon
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 14, 2005; Page A01
The American Red Cross, facing criticism for its Hurricane Katrina relief effort, said yesterday that its chief executive, Marsha J. Evans, has resigned -- the latest in a string of leaders who have struggled to guide the giant, often troubled charity.
Red Cross senior executives insisted that Evans's departure, effective at the end of the month, was voluntary. But others in the organization said that Evans was forced to resign after her relationship with the 50-member board of directors deteriorated over issues of control of the $3 billion organization.
Chuck Connor, senior vice president for marketing and communication, said a "more precise" description is that the "board had concerns about her coordination and communication with the board." He defended her performance, however. "This place is in a lot better shape than it was 3 1/2 years ago" when she took over, Connor said.
Those who follow the organization say that, whatever the reason for Evans's abrupt departure, it is not good news for the charity, which has stumbled during some of the country's biggest disasters. From the way it distributes money to victims to its treatment of minorities and its handling of blood donations, the organization is facing scrutiny from Capitol Hill, civil rights groups, federal agencies and others.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/13/AR2005121300712.html