Local Red Cross chapter welcomes new director

0 Comments | La Crosse Tribune, Aug 16, 2002 | by Hoskin, Ed

A Holmen, Wis., woman who raised tens of thousands of dollars for the University of Wisconsin System has been named the new executive director of the Scenic Bluffs Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Cheryl Hancock, former director of both Collegiate Gifts and the Annual Fund at UW-La Crosse, is the chapter's fourth executive director in six years.

The chapter was looking for some longevity in the position as well as a proven fund-raiser, Scenic Bluffs President and La Crosse Fire Chief Pete Stinson said.

The chapter's former executive director, Cathy Hopkins, left to take a position with the state level of the American Red Cross in Madison.

"I'm here to stay and looking forward to remaining in this area," Hancock said. "I'm just delighted to have the opportunity to serve the Red Cross."

Hancock is a member of the Holmen School Board, president of the Holmen Area Foundation and a state and local officer in the Jaycee organization. She is a past president of the Upper Mississippi Valley Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

At UW-L, Hancock helped develop an annual campaign that increased "phonathon" revenue by more than 180 percent, according to Scenic Bluffs.

"We think we have found a winner-a true winner for Red Cross purposes," board director Ace Stadthaus said.