[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E477-E478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING ANN KAPLAN'S SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS 
                           BOARD OF GOVERNORS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2012

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute an admirable public 
servant and a dear friend.
  Ann Kaplan, a celebrated constituent from the great state of New 
York, has served selflessly and diligently as a member of the American 
Red Cross Board of Governors since 2003 and next week will complete her 
third and final term on the Board.
  The American Red Cross depends upon experienced leadership that 
understands the significant operational challenges it faces in 
delivering a full range of services each and every day. From supporting 
the armed forces around the world to safely supplying nearly half the 
Nation's blood supply to directly helping the American public and 
businesses prepare for and respond to over 70,000 disaster annually, 
the American Red Cross Board of Governors plays an integral role in 
developing effective strategy for the organization.
  During Ann Kaplan's service on the Board of Governors, the American 
Red Cross has gone through an unprecedented internal transformation 
including comprehensive governance reform resulting in bold changes 
that are a model of corporate governance, and internal restructuring in 
order to eliminate a significant operating deficit, streamline 
operations, and improve service delivery.
  Ms. Kaplan has made significant contributions to the organization 
through her service on the Board including leading the Board-directed 
mandate to address the organization's operational and financial issues 
and to restructure the oversight of investments. Her service on the 
Board includes the following leadership positions: Vice Chair, Finance 
Committee (2005 2006); Chair, Finance Committee (2006 2008); Vice 
Chair, Compensation and Management Development Committee (2009 2012); 
Chair, Investment Committee (2010 2012); and Vice Chairman of the Board 
(2007 2012).
  While Red Cross Board members normally serve two terms, Ms. Kaplan 
served a third term at the unanimous request of the Board during a 
critical period because of her passionate and able leadership and 
financial expertise.
  Ms. Kaplan has been a generous supporter of the American Red Cross 
and has served the organization in various other capacities including 
Co-Chair of the Chairman's Council,

[[Page E478]]

which recognizes individuals and families whose cumulative giving to 
the American Red Cross exceeds one million dollars. She also served as 
a disaster relief volunteer with the New York City Chapter, which 
serves my district.
  I rise on behalf of my Congressional colleagues, the Hon. Bonnie 
McElveen-Hunter, the Chairman of the American Red Cross, and, the 
entire Board of Governors, Gail J. McGovern, President and CEO and all 
the staff and volunteers of the Red Cross to thank Ms. Kaplan for her 
extraordinary service as a member of the Board of Governors.
  March might be American Red Cross Month in America. But the first 
week of April will be a week to honor and celebrate Ann Kaplan's 
contributions to strengthen the organization as it strives to better 
serve this great Nation.

                          ____________________