New Jersey Red Cross welcomes new CEO

PRINCETON — The American Red Cross has named Ana Montero as regional chief executive officer of the organization’s New Jersey Region. Montero will oversee all Red Cross service delivery, fundraising and external relations within the state.
“I’m thrilled to pass the torch to Ana who I know to be a talented and thoughtful leader,” said Mathieu Nelessen, northeast division vice president, American Red Cross. “She was the unanimous choice of the team. I am confident that her skills and experience will enable her to build upon the region’s existing strengths and lead the Red Cross to provide even better service to communities in New Jersey.”
Montero brings more than 20 years of public service and management experience to her new role, including the past two years as chief operating officer of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. The Los Angeles Region is the second largest Red Cross region in the country, serving some of the country’s most diverse communities in an area vulnerable to multi-hazard disasters.
“We’re pleased that Ana has returned to New Jersey to fill this chief leadership position,” said Nelessen. “Ana brings a great mix of leadership, inspiration, operational experience and a passion for service. Her experience creating community partnerships, combined with the support of a strong team of committed volunteers and employees, will undoubtedly help us build more resilient communities throughout New Jersey.”
Prior to joining the Red Cross, Montero served her home state of New Jersey as assistant commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, and as a director with both the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Department of Human Services. She has been credited for her work on numerous statewide and multi-state partnerships related to community redevelopment, historic preservation, STEM initiatives, industry-retention efforts and youth development programs.
“I am honored to lead such a talented group of people at the Red Cross in my home state,” said Montero. “I look forward to building upon our relationships and partnerships and to cultivating new collaborations with partners representing our most vulnerable communities.”
Montero graduated from The College of New Jersey and holds a law degree from Rutgers University. She is a 2016 Presidio Institute Fellow and Lead New Jersey 2003 Fellow.