The American Red Cross in Greater New York has a new regional chief executive. The organization named Doreen Thomann-Howe as CEO, overseeing services that support 13 million people across Long Island, New York City, Westchester and Rockland counites, Greenwich, Conn., and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. She succeeds Mary Barneby, who served as regional CEO between 2020-2023.
“After an extensive search, we are thrilled to welcome Doreen Thomann-Howe to the Red Cross,” Jill Coyle, chair of the board of directors of American Red Cross in Greater New York, said in a news release about the new appointment.
“Her experience in both government and the non-profit sector and her commitment to supporting communities in need will ensure the Red Cross in Greater New York will continue to deliver its mission to our neighbors before, during and after emergencies big and small,” Coyle added.
“Throughout my career I have worked to support families in crisis,” Thomann-Howe said in the news release. “At a time when communities face increasing and complex challenges to recover from disasters, I am honored to join the Red Cross to continue to expand programs and partnerships to enhance services and support for our neighbors in need.”
Thomann-Howe said that she looked forward to “working with the nearly 5,000 Red Cross volunteers and partners to support the powerful and meaningful impact it has on the communities it serves.”
Thomann-Howe will oversee services that support 13 million people living in the region. The organization provided a snapshot of those services from the period between July 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024. Services include immediate emergency assistance such as providing temporary lodging, food and clothing, comfort and support to families after 1,465 home fires and other disasters. The organization installed 17,968 free smoke alarms to 5,731 homes as part of its Home Fire Campaign. It instructed 1,4063 people on life-saving health and safety skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid. It supported 3,060 members of the military and veterans, and their families. And it helped collect 8,713 blood donations from volunteer donors.
Previously, Thomann-Howe served as chief operating officer of Project Renewal, a New York City homeless services provider, where she oversaw programs and services at shelters, supportive housing, healthcare, workforce development and City Beet Kitchens, a social-purposed catering company.
Earlier in her career, Thomann-Howe served as deputy commissioner of family services at the New York City Department of Homeless Services, where she oversaw the city’s provision of shelter and services to families with children experiencing homelessness. She co-directed a citywide initiative at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene that focused on New Yorkers living with serious mental health concerns and re-engaged them when they fell out of care.
In addition to her work in city government, Thomann-Howe has worked at Harlem United Community AIDS Center, the Brooklyn Center for Psychotherapy, and Gouverneur Hospital.
A licensed clinical social worker, Thomann-Howe received her BA in psychology from City College of New York and her MSW from the NYU School of Social Work.