Michelle Hankes
Michelle Hankes has been named chief executive officer of the American Red Cross East Tennessee Region, which has oversight of the nonprofit’s operations in 36 counties. Her first day will be July 8.
Ms. Hankes, the previously president and CEO of United Way of Blount County, comes to the Red Cross after many years of nonprofit experience and is respected throughout East Tennessee. She holds a Master’s Degree in education from the University of Iowa, and a certification in nonprofit management from Iowa State University.
“We are very excited that Michelle has chosen to join the American Red Cross and are confident she will provide outstanding leadership,” said Mary Ann Mulhern, American Red Cross Tennessee Mountain Valley interim board chair.
“I am honored to accept this position and excited to be with the Red Cross,” Ms. Hankes said. “I look forward to engaging with our community leaders and working with our volunteers and staff across East Tennessee to help make a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Ms. Hankes has been active in several community organizations including serving on the boards of the Blount County Chamber, Blount County Chamber Foundation, the Blount County Public Library, Blount County Newcomers Club, and the Tennessee Access to Justice Committee among others. She was a Leadership Blount graduate in 2009, was named one of the Knoxville Area’s 40 under 40 in 2011 and was a nominee for the 2013 Blount County Athena Award.
She is married with two children and has family in the Maryville area.