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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594314859558.jpeg" alt="Brandon Taylor. Photo courtesy American Red Cross" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Taylor. Photo courtesy American Red Cross</figcaption>
 </figure>Brandon Taylor, recently elected board president of the Central and Western Kansas chapter of the American Red Cross, is hitting the ground running with a virtual tour of the chapter’s 60-county territory.Taylor, who will serve as board president for the coming year, is Special Programs Manager at Fort Hays State University. He has served on the board for two years. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management degree, a Master of Business Administration degree, and a leadership and grant-writing certificate from Fort Hays State University. He currently is working on his pastoral ministry degree from Newman University.Taylor’s family was impacted by the Greensburg tornado in 2007. “I still remember the Red Cross vehicle driving the streets, handing out water and sunscreen, which was most needed while going through debris,” Taylor said. “Those individuals were the kindest people you will ever meet, and the world needs more like them.”Taylor said he is excited to lead the board as it executes a strategic plan they have developed. He will conduct a virtual tour through each county, talking to emergency management officials, city and county officials, and other stakeholders, while reviewing Red Cross’s role in those communities. Because he firmly believes those working on the front line are at the heart of any successful operation. Taylor stated he will be calling all volunteers to listen to their experiences and feedback.“Many people don’t realize the many services the Red Cross offers, besides blood donation and disaster services,” Taylor said. “I want to make those trainings accessible to not only individuals but also create business partnerships as well.” Another area he wants to stress is Service to the Armed Forces (SAF), which assists active duty and veterans in communities.Knowing that the chapter could not operate without the support of donors, Taylor is working with the board to identify the greatest needs in the chapter and bolster fundraising in the chapter. “Anyone that gives wants to see how their dollar makes an impact,” he said. “Anyone can check a box for it to go to the general fund or designate it to towards a specific area, but the report back to the donor I feel is most key on where their hard-earned dollar went.”Taylor says he wants to hear from you! If you have any suggestions, Red Cross stories, looking to get more involved with the Red Cross, want to host a blood drive, want more information about different training sessions available, hear about current fundraising projects, become a Red Cross advocate in your community, know of a veteran or current service member in need of assistance, or anything else, he asks that you please email him at redcrossbrandon@gmail.com

Taylor elected president of area Red Cross chapter