Leadership built on relationships has a way of creating lasting impact, and the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region is welcoming a seasoned Houston philanthropic leader who has spent more than two decades proving exactly that.

Kelly P. Hodges has been named the organization’s new Chief Development Officer, bringing extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, donor engagement and community partnerships to one of the nation’s most recognized humanitarian organizations.

For communities throughout Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast, Hodges’ arrival represents more than a new executive appointment. It brings together a respected fundraising professional and a mission built around helping people when help matters most.

“The American Red Cross immediately resonated with me because its mission is so tangible,” Hodges said. “When people are experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives, the Red Cross shows up.”

Hodges brings a résumé deeply rooted in service. Her career has included leadership and philanthropic work with the Houston Area Urban League, National Newspaper Publishers Association Fund, Coast Guard Foundation, YMCA of Greater Houston, American Heart Association, Sisters Network® Inc. and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

That broad experience has allowed her to build relationships with donors, corporations, foundations and community stakeholders while translating generosity into measurable community impact.

As Chief Development Officer, Hodges will lead fundraising and donor engagement efforts across the Texas Gulf Coast Region, helping secure resources that support disaster relief, military families, blood collection programs, health and safety training and other Red Cross humanitarian services.

Her philosophy is refreshingly personal in a profession sometimes measured by dollars and spreadsheets.

“Relationships come before the ask,” Hodges said. “I want to understand what someone cares about, what motivates them, what they want to change in their community and where our missions intersect.”

That relationship-first philosophy should feel right at home in Houston — a city known for answering the call when neighbors are in need.

A graduate of Grambling State University and a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Hodges has maintained a strong commitment to civic and community service throughout her career.

As she begins this new chapter, Hodges says listening will be one of her first priorities — listening to volunteers, donors, staff members and community partners to better understand how philanthropy can strengthen the Red Cross mission throughout the region.

“Ultimately, I want us to have the philanthropic resources necessary to say ‘yes’ when communities need us most,” she said.

That is no small responsibility.

The American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region serves more than 11 million people across 51 counties, providing critical support during disasters while assisting military families, supporting blood collection efforts and delivering lifesaving health and safety education.

 

For Houston Style Magazine readers, Hodges’ appointment is another reminder that philanthropy is at its most powerful when leadership, compassion and community come together.

And when the next storm, emergency or unexpected crisis arrives, her goal is simple: make sure the Red Cross is ready to say, “Yes, we can help.”

America Red Cross – Texas Gulf Coast Region
America Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region

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