Red Cross Names New Development Coordinator

The American Red Cross is pleased to announce the recent hire of Merle Eldridge to the position of Chief Development Officer for the Mississippi Region.

Prior to joining the Red Cross, Eldridge was employed at the American Lung Association. She served as the Regional Vice President of Resource Development – Team Leader for the Plains Gulf Region. There she was responsible for directly supervising, leading and managing fundraising efforts in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Kansas and Arkansas. In addition, tracked and monitored budgets for the nine State Region for Corporate, Foundation and Individual Giving which additionally included Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Millsaps College, Mississippi State University and is currently working on her Certified Fund Raising Executive certification.

“We are excited about having Mrs. Eldridge as part of our leadership team and incorporating her background in fundraising.” said Sandra Hodge, CEO, American Red Cross Mississippi Region.

Eldridge’s primary goal will be overseeing fund raising and cultivating relationships in the Mississippi Region. Her office will be located in Jackson, Mississippi.

“I look forward to developing and establishing new relationships for the American Red Cross and financially involving new donors and businesses.” said Eldridge.

In Merle’s spare time, when she isn’t cheering on her two boys in soccer, baseball and football; she loves to run. Completing her first half marathon in 2011, she hopes to complete at least one each year