ALBANY, N.Y. — The American Red Cross has named Kevin Coffey as the new regional CEO for the Eastern New York region, effective July 1.
Coffey succeeds Gary Striar, who is set to retire June 30. He oversaw the “growth and success” of the region for the past 14 years, the nonprofit said in a news release.
The Eastern New York region serves 27 counties — including Onondaga, Madison, and Oswego — with a total population of more than 3.6 million people. The organization operates regional offices in Syracuse and Oneida.
A graduate of Le Moyne College, Coffey joined the Red Cross as chief development officer in 2016. He also deployed to support communities affected by large national disasters including Hurricanes Florence and Dorian.
Prior to joining the Red Cross, Coffey served as director of business development & strategic partnerships for the Patient Experience Project (PEP) in Saratoga Springs. Before that, he held leadership positions at Palio+Ignite, SAY Media, and Time Inc. Coffey has served as an adjunct professor for Skidmore College and is involved in the Capital Region Chamber’s executive mentorship program.
Coffey takes the reins as the Red Cross says it continues to adapt its operations to a “new normal” during COVID-19. During a time when the nation practices social distancing, the Red Cross says it has adapted its relief services to go virtual, which includes mental-health support and financial assistance.
The Red Cross has also implemented new safety protocols to ensure blood drives meet the “constant” patient demand, as well as new services including the collection of convalescent plasma to treat patients with COVID-19.
