She assumed the role of president and CEO of the American Red Cross on June 23 , 2008 , replacing Mark W. Everson , a former IRS commissioner and becoming the seventh chief in seven years . In June she joined a delegation of 30 community leaders organized by the United States Agency for International Development to visit China and those affected by the 2008 Sichuan earthquake . The focus of her work at the Red Cross has been to improve the image of the Red Cross brand and thereby increase donations
2008 Sichuan earthquake
2008 Sichuan earthquake
Gail J. McGovern