In deciding whether to take the President & CEO position at the Red Cross, Gail J. McGovern said she made a list of reasons to take the job.

She took her list to trusted friends and advisors but says she never got to show it to them.  As soon as she disclosed that she was considering the position they all started telling her what a great fit they thought it would be for her.

“You’ve been training for this your whole life.”

So, since she made it and all, she asked to share the list with the senior leaders gathered to meet her this morning.

Why she took the job 

1. The Mission: it is such a noble cause and she is enthusiastic to be a part of it.
2. The Brand is to die for.
3. She humbly submits that she can make an impact for the better here.
4. Every employee and volunteer she’s met “to a person” has had the best interest of the institution at heart – it’s evident in each individual.
5. She’s a mom and her only daughter will begin college in Baltimore in the fall – she feels lucky to be close to her.
6. Her father passed away a year ago this month. In his retirement years he threw himself into volunteerism. Gail feels that by taking this job she’s carrying on her father’s legacy of service.
7. She is impressed that the interim leadership stepped up in a tough time and took courageous moves that increased the sustainability of the organization.

RELATED:

• Blog posts about Gail J. McGovern
• Press Release
• Bio
• News reports

Filed under: Leadership