Kathy Schons has resigned as executive director of the Minn-Kota Chapter of the American Red Cross.
She's been with the chapter for 19 years, the past 16 as executive director.
Schons said she's enjoyed a long and rewarding career with the Red Cross, but decided it's time to "revitalize myself" elsewhere.
"It was totally my choice" to resign, she said.
She will step down in July or August and is considering several opportunities.
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Jane Grant Shambaugh, chairwoman of the chapter's board of directors, said the Red Cross is losing a great leader. "Kathy ... has built a cohesive volunteer and professional team, one that has continued to be inspired and motivated by our chapter's mission of helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies," Grant Shambaugh said.
When Schons started 19 years ago, Minn-Kota served on average one in 32 people in two counties, today it's one in eight in 12 counties, Grant Shambaugh said.
"We are not the same organization we were all those years ago, and neither is our community," Schons said. "Over the years our services have responded to the growing needs of the community."
Grant Shambaugh said the search for Schons' successor is beginning.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Jonathan Knutson at (701) 241-5530
