Kelly King Named Michigan Regional CEO of American Red Cross

Kelly King was named regional CEO of the American Red Cross Michigan Region, where she began her seven-year Red Cross career.
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Kelly King

Kelly King was named regional CEO of the American Red Cross Michigan Region, where she began her seven-year Red Cross career.

King brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the top leadership position in the Michigan Region, which serves more than 9 million people across the state. In this role, King has executive oversight of disaster preparedness and response, fundraising, operations, services to military members, veterans and their families, and volunteer services.

In addition to the regional CEO position, King will serve as executive director of the Southeast Michigan Chapter, which serves Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.

“I am honored to lead an outstanding team of dedicated volunteers and staff who are committed to serving Michigan communities,” King says. “I look forward to building on the Michigan Region’s strong foundation while also seeking new opportunities to enhance our mission.”

Since May 2022, King has served as COO for the Southwest and Rocky Mountain Division of the Red Cross, providing strategic leadership, directing key real estate projects, and leading safety and security initiatives. Prior to that, she was interim regional CEO for the Louisiana Region from September 2021 to January 2022.

King joined the Red Cross in 2017 as executive director of the Mid-Michigan Chapter in Lansing and served in that role for five years. During that time, she also served as state relations representative and interim regional chief operating officer for the Michigan Region.

Prior to joining the Red Cross, King was the executive director at the Oak Park YMCA from 2014 to 2017 and Downtown YMCA Wellness from 2009 to 2014, both in Lansing.

King grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, then moved to Michigan to attend Michigan State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising. She and her husband, Pete, reside in the greater Lansing area and enjoy the companionship of three dogs, two cats and seven ducks. King is also a volunteer with Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center in Eaton Rapids.

Mary Lynn Foster, who previously served as the regional CEO, stepped down from her position in December 2024.