Kelsie Davis’s path to the American Red Cross started in an anthropology class at Tulane University. Not happy with the career path she was on, Kelsie decided to take a course about forced migration resulting from disasters. She “absolutely loved” the class and discovered she had found a new career path.  After graduation and a stint as a consultant, Davis joined the Red Cross in 2016 and served as a community disaster program manager (CDPM) in Florida and Louisiana prior to becoming Texas Gulf Coast Deputy Regional Disaster Officer.

              “We have five program-based staff in disaster, each of them with a specific program,” Davis said. “I work and lead our program staff to build our programs across the region and to ensure that we are building volunteer capacity internally in order to prepare, respond and recover.”

              Davis works in partnership with senior CDPMs to ensure that Red Cross disaster readiness program are delivered consistently across the region. She has been described as a “player/coach who actively engages, trains, develops and supports her team.” She is also a regional subject matter expert in hurricane planning.

              While some days on the job can be tough, Kelsie noted, “It takes one disaster, such as a multi-family fire or a nearby flood, and you get to mobilize volunteers and be part of the community response that you see the difference you are making.

              “It reminds you that every day is worth it,” she added.