New Executive Director of the American Red Cross Serving North Central Wisconsin

Monday, February 27th, 2023 -- 8:00 AM

Kathryn Halvorsen has been named the new executive director of the American Red Cross serving North Central Wisconsin.

Halvorsen comes from WAOW News 9, in Wausau where she served as the evening anchor for nearly two years. Last year, she was honored for her work by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. Prior to that, Halvorsen anchored and reported in Traverse City, Michigan.

Halvorsen graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Electronic Media Sales. There, she was a part of many organizations including the university’s National Broadcasting Society, a member of a co-ed professional business fraternity, and more recently, Halvorsen has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Marathon County.

Her engagement and knowledge of the community will provide her a great advantage as she fulfills the work in the region she serves. As part of its humanitarian mission, the Red Cross North Central Chapter provides emergency relief to residents impacted by disasters and supports our service members and their families.

It strives to make all local communities and cultural groups safer and more resilient through collecting blood; installing free smoke alarms; teaching health and safety skills such as CPR, water safety and first aid; and empowering residents with emergency preparedness skills.

As executive director, Halvorsen will be collaborating with community partners and elected officials; conducting media interviews; fundraising for the chapter; recruiting and engaging with volunteers; and helping with blood donation and collection goals.

The chapter serves communities across these Wisconsin counties: Iron, Vilas, Florence, Oneida, Forest, Lincoln, Langlade, Menominee, Marathon, Shawano, Wood and Portage. Our Chapter also serves five counties in the U.P. of Michigan: Keweenaw, Houghton, Ontonagon, Iron and Gogebic.

In addition, this Chapter serves the Forest County Potawatomi, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Sokaogon Chippewa Community, Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, and Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

As a natural storyteller, Halvorson hopes to use her networking skills to establish new relationships and further advance the Red Cross mission. Halverson said, “I’ve spent nearly six years storytelling for TV, and I am so excited to continue to tell the great stories of Red Crossers moving forward. It’s an honor to be working for one of the world’s most charitable organizations.”

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.