Linda Mathes

Linda is Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region. She began her career with the Red Cross in 1973 and has since served in leadership positions at the local, state, regional and national levels. Linda is a cum laude graduate of Vanderbilt University and received her masters in public administration from the University of Southern California. She is a graduate of the FBI Citizen’s Academy, American Red Cross Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism Program at the Clara Barton Center for Domestic Preparedness and the Partners in Organizational Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. However, Linda’s education and training is only the start to this amazing and inspiring woman.

1.  What is it about the American Red Cross that keeps you both dedicated and motivated throughout a career that has expanded nearly four decades?
Its mission, its relevancy, the people and the results. The whole package of the American Red Cross has engaged me for long, long time. I was exposed to the Red Cross as a kid when I was presented stories and pictures in elementary school — and I raised more pennies than anybody else to support the work of the Red Cross. I saw the needs of people and how the Red Cross did something about those needs. It made sense to me then, and decades later, it still makes sense to me. Little did I know that decades later I would still be raising pennies. Not a day goes by that I’m not challenged and stretched and inspired.

2.  The Red Cross strongly resonated with you as a young girl.  How has the work impacted you as an adult?
I believe so strongly in doing what you can, where you are and with what you have to give. The Red Cross is all this, it’s all about engaging people — helping them to help themselves and other people in need. I’ve had the chance to work at all levels: local, state, regionally and nationally.  Fundamentally, it is what I believe in as a person so I’ve been able to maintain a lot of passion for the work of the Red Cross. The structure, systems and strategy may have changed over the years but what has not changed is its mission and principles. I stay focused on those.

3.  It’s somewhat unusual, yet admirable, for professionals to stay within the same organization or business, for their career.  How would you describe the benefits and challenges?
No day is like the previous.There is such a rich array of experiences that it’s not unusual for people to work at the Red Cross for many years. There is also a great mix of people coming in from a wide variety of backgrounds. The mission is so powerful and the work so relevant, it just grabs you and you get hooked. Last year we honored a man, a businessman, who had volunteered with the Red Cross for 50 years!  It‘s a beautiful reminder how and engaging it is for volunteers, as well.  However, while the Red Cross has a powerful and principles, it is also a business, a business of the heart and one whose products and services are made possible by people giving their time, money and blood. Relatively few people realize that about the Red Cross. This is part of what makes it so challenging.

4.  As a 2008 Washingtonian of the Year and winner of the 1998 DC Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year among many accomplishments, why is it important for women to receive such recognition?
Whenever I’ve received an award, I am so clear that I’m receiving it on behalf of our team of volunteers and staff.  I never lose sight of that. Recognition and acknowledgement is important, especially for women leaders. It’s valuable and wonderful to highlight what they’re doing and what they’re accomplishing in this community. I also find that recognition encourages women, builds confidence and competence. It builds leadership in our community and within our country. I find so many reasons to value and celebrate the contributions that people make everywhere.

5.  When you’re at a cocktail party after receiving an award, maybe days or even weeks later, does the recognition come into the conversation or make a difference?
I never thought of that. But the recognition stimulates awareness and creates conversation –  about preparedness, for example. I think we’ll have arrived in our community when we can weave  into our every day and even social settings conversations about preparedness for emergencies of all types. This work is all about team work and so many people don’t know what the Red Cross does everyday in our neighborhoods and in our communities with their support.  Every time you hear a fire truck, our Red Cross volunteers are going to the scene to help people — much in the same way we help people in need in Haiti or Japan.

6.  If you weren’t leading the American Red Cross for the National Capital Region, what would you like to be doing?
I can’t imagine not being involved in the Red Cross in some way. It’s a way of life and a life’s work. I long to have more time to do things that I love to do such as playing piano, kayaking or rollerblading. The nature of our work is to roll with whatever Mother Nature brings. Look at the last few weeks in our area – the earthquake, tropical storm, flooding – our work is constant. However, I think it’s really important that each one of us stays fueled, fresh and nourished through quality time with family, friends and other activities. I remind my staff, and myself, that all the time.

For more information about the American Red Cross, for helpful resources and opportunities to give and to get involved, please click:  www.redcrossnca.org.