Tag Archives: Charlotte Rerko

NEO Says Farewell, But Not Goodbye, to COO Charlotte Rerko

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Northeast Ohio’s Loss is Erie, Pennsylvania’s Gain

We bid farewell, but not goodbye, to Charlotte Rerko today.

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Charlotte is the newly-named CEO of the Achievement Center of Erie, Pennsylvania, following her 3 ½ years of leadership as Chief Operating Officer for the American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region.  She also served in a similar capacity for the West Virginia Region.

“Charlotte was invaluable to me when I started at the Red Cross two years ago,” said Mike Parks, Regional CEO.  “And her value only grew as a trusted confidant.  I will be forever grateful for her passion for the mission of the Red Cross, and her loyalty to the organization.”

The Achievement Center of Erie, Charlotte explains, serves the needs of children, from autism to physical challenges to reading difficulties.  “A child is a child.  All have needs. The Achievement Center is dedicated to serving those needs, whatever they may be.”

Working for the welfare of children is a natural fit for Charlotte, the mother of 5 and a registered nurse.  But her bond with the Red Cross, and with Northeast Ohio remains strong.  She has agreed to assume the role of Community Volunteer Leader for the Greater Cleveland Chapter.

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From Left:  Laura Hauser, Board Secretary; Dick Pogue, Director Emeritus; Charlotte Rerko; Mike Parks, Regional CEO

“Who is better qualified to serve in that role than Charlotte?  It’s comforting to know that even though she won’t be here every day, I can tap into her knowledge base whenever necessary,” said Mke.

So we say farewell, knowing Charlotte will help the Achievement Center of Erie grow, but not goodbye, knowing she’ll still be here for us when we need her.

See a gallery of photos from Charlotte’s farewell party here.

Ordinary People Honored for Taking Extraordinary Action

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Recognized with Highest Award the Red Cross Offers

Lifesavers.  When we hear that word, we think of surgeons, firefighters, police officers, lifeguards.

Add teacher and massage therapist to the list.

Two people who have been certified by the Red Cross for their lifesaving skills have now been honored after putting those skills to use.

Mike Parks, Molly O’Donnell, Charlotte Rerko and Shawn RIley
Natasha Alexander-Cooley, her daughter Juanita Ewing and her mother Juanita Alexander
Mike Parks, Natasha Alexander-Cooley, Charlotte Rerko and Shawn Riley
Molley O’Donnell

Certificates of Merit were awarded to Natasha Alexander-Cooley and Molly O’Donnell.  The certificates, signed by President Barack Obama, cite their “selfless and humane action in sustaining a life.”  They are the highest award given by the Red Cross to someone who sustains or saves a life by using the skills learned during Red Cross training.

Natasha, an educator at Tremont Montessori School in Cleveland, was honored for saving the life of a choking student, by performing several abdominal thrusts until food was dislodged from the choking boy’s throat.

Molly, a licesned massage therapist and trained First Aid/CPR/AED instructor, was cited for her efforts to save the life of her Instructor Trainer, who suffered cardiac arrest prior to the start of their class earlier this year.

“The Red Cross trains people to react to emergency situations, and these individuals did exactly what they were trained to do,” said Charlotte Rerko, Regional COO and a Registered Nurse.   “It was an honor to present these awards to them.”

Charlotte was also honored with a Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action.  She also responded to the stricken CPR Instructor.

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Mike Parks, Charlotte Rerko and Shawn Riley

The awards were presented by Mike Parks, Regional CEO, and Shawn Riley, Board Chair, during the quarterly meeting of the Greater Cleveland Chapter Board of Directors on Thursday, December 8.  There’s a photo gallery from the meeting on the Greater Cleveland Chapter Facebook page.

The Red Cross teaches not only First Aid/CPR/AED, but also Basic Life Support, Babysitting and Childcare, and Lifeguarding.  Go to redcross.org/take-a-class to learn these live saving skills.  You may be called on someday to take extraordinary action in order to save a life.

Charlotte share’s more photos from D.C.!

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Group Picture with Gail McGovernNortheast Ohio COO, Charlotte Rerko (2nd from left, bottom) is our little social butterfly! Here she is with American Red Cross CEO, Gail McGovern (center, bottom), department COOs and Chapter Executives from across the country during a recent trip to Washington D.C.

You’ll notice in the background are the gorgeous favrile windows crafted by Louis Tiffany for the Board of Governors room at the National Headquarters.