The recently appointed interim chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Region is governed by the philosophy of not accepting things she cannot change, but changing the things she cannot accept.

              Dr. Linda Braddy, the CEO of the North Texas Region assumed the additional responsibility as interim CEO of the Texas Gulf Coast Region on January 2. She joined the Red Cross in 2023 after two decades in higher education. That included service as president of the Dallas College Brookhaven Campus and deputy executive director of the Mathematical Association of America in Washington, D.C. As CEO in the North Texas Region, Braddy has become well acquainted with the Texas Gulf Coast Region, having spent three weeks in the region during the Hurricane Beryl disaster response in 2024.

              “I believe you shouldn’t just talk or complain about things that need to change, but do something about things that need to change,” Dr. Braddy said. “For example, sometimes people will share a Red Cross social media post about volunteering or donating money. Sharing our message is important, but you could do much more to support our mission by actually volunteering or donating.”

              In addition to her career in higher education, Dr. Braddy is a committed volunteer and servant leader, currently serving as a court-appointed special advocate for Dallas CASA and a member of the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce board.

              Dr. Braddy said one of her most memorable Red Cross moments came while she was being interviewed for the North Texas Region CEO post by then Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern. It was during that interview that McGovern shared her philosophy of “hiring people who are smart and kind.”

              “I will never forget that, and I thought it was a great goal to have,” Dr. Braddy said. “Today in our polarized society, people are not always as kind as they could be.” Noting that her experience has been that the Red Cross is filled with smart and kind people, she added, “That wasn’t just words she spoke. She really did accomplish it.” That Red Cross moment was an example of Dr. Braddy’s philosophy “to be the change you want to see in the world.”

              “I loved being in higher ed, but I have never regretted leaving because the job at the Red Cross has been so rewarding and I love the people,” Dr. Braddy said. “I am really looking forward to working more closely with the folks in the Texas Gulf Coast Region.”

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information about volunteering or contributing to the Red Cross’s mission, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @RedCross.

Story By: David Guth