The Central and Western Kansas Chapter of the American Red Cross announced this week the appointment of Brandon Taylor to its board of directors.
“I am excited to join the Red Cross board. I find the most joy assisting others in Kansas and around the world and the Red Cross humanitarian mission will allow me to do just that, said Brandon Taylor, an Admissions Counselor at Fort Hays State University. “My family has never forgotten the kind individuals who were there to help us in our time of need and now it is time to pay that kindness forward.”
Brandon was born in Western Nebraska but raised in Kansas and graduated from Kiowa County High School in Greensburg. His family’s home was destroyed by the tornado that struck Greensburg in 2007. He witnessed firsthand American Red Cross disaster response and recovery operations in his community. For over a hundred years, Red Cross volunteers across Kansas have answered the call to help those affected by disasters large and small. From single-family house fires to severe weather like tornadoes, flooding, ice storms and wildfires, the Red Cross provides for the immediate needs of families like Brandon’s, who may have lost everything.
Serving others is not new to Brandon. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, a Master of Business Administration, and a leadership and grant-writing certificate from Fort Hays State University. While a student, Brandon interned for Senator Jerry Moran in Washington, DC and was the lead organizer that brought TEDxFHSU to campus, the university’s first TED conference that focused on worldwide issues. He also had the opportunity to work with numerous service organizations around the country including Habitat for Humanity in Santa Fe, New Mexico; United Saints of New Orleans in Louisiana and the Global Leadership Project in Costa Rica.
Central and Western Kansas Executive Director, Becky LaPolice is excited to welcome Brandon to the board team. “With a 60-county chapter territory, I am thrilled to have a board member from Hays,” said LaPolice. “Today’s technology allows us to connect with our communities across Central and Western Kansas to deliver Red Cross services more efficiently. Brandon will be joining a board with representatives from Garden City, Clay Center and Salina. Our goal is to recruit dedicated board members from other areas of Central and Western Kansas.” For more information on the American Red Cross mission or how to get involved, go to www.redcross.org or email [email protected].