Red Cross of Santa Monica Hires New CEO

A Boston-based fundraiser and public relations manager, Wendy S. Jacobs has been named Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Santa Monica, the chapter's Board of Directors announced Friday.

Jacobs, 33,  "brings to the Santa Monica chapter an extensive background in fundraising and public relations for both nonprofits and private corporations," organization leaders said in a press release.

She succeeds John Pacheco who retired January 2 after 35 years of active service for the American Red Cross in the Los Angeles area.

Jacobs most recently held the title of Deputy Executive Director and Chief Development Officer of Heading Home, a homeless services agency. Prior to joining Heading Home, Jacobs held executive, fundraising and public relations positions at various East Coast organizations, including at the real estate firm of CB Richard Ellis/New England, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Raytheon Company in Massachusetts. 

J"I'm honored to be a part of such an esteemed organization and  hope to make a lasting and meaningful impact on the community," she said in a statement. "I'm so grateful for the warm welcome that both the American Red Cross and the Santa Monica community have extended to me."