Red Cross names new Miami executive director

The American Red Cross South Florida Region announced on Sunday that Robert C. Hill Jr. has been appointed executive director of the Greater Miami & The Keys Chapter. Hill will oversee operations spanning Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys, taking charge of a portfolio that includes humanitarian aid, disaster preparedness, and community resilience programs.

The organization relies on a network of volunteers and public donations to fund its core services. The Red Cross shelters and feeds disaster victims, provides emotional support, and supplies approximately 40 percent of the nation's blood supply. It also teaches life-saving skills, delivers international humanitarian aid, and supports military members and their families.

Hill brings two decades of experience in community health and nonprofit management to the role. His most recent position was vice president of community impact for the American Heart Association in Miami-Dade. In that capacity, he coordinated initiatives involving healthcare systems, schools, government agencies, and private businesses to address nutrition security and chronic disease prevention.

He also serves as executive co-chair of the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade. Nova Southeastern University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for his service. His academic credentials include a Master of Public Health from Nova Southeastern University and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Florida.

Krista Coletti, CEO of the South Florida Region, expressed enthusiasm for the new leadership. "We are thrilled to welcome Robert as the new executive director of our Greater Miami and the Keys Chapter," Coletti said. She noted that his passion for service would help strengthen the organization's mission and inspire community involvement.

Coletti emphasized the goal of building partnerships to make communities more resilient. "We look forward to the impact he will make as he brings people together, builds meaningful partnerships and empowers our communities to be stronger and more resilient," she added.

Hill stated that he is honored to join the organization. "Throughout my career, I have seen what is possible when people and organizations come together around a shared purpose," Hill said. He expressed excitement about working with volunteers and partners to support people during crises and strengthen preparedness in Miami-Dade and the Keys.