American Red Cross Michigan Region Names Regional Disaster Officer

In her role, Rooks directs the Region’s disaster preparedness, response and recovery services across six Red Cross chapters that collectively serve more than 9 million people across the state. She also manages a statewide team of volunteers and team members who are part of Disaster Cycle Services.

“I am thrilled that Toy has joined Team Michigan to lead our disaster services,” said Mary Lynn Foster, regional chief executive officer of the Red Cross Michigan Region. “She brings a wealth of experience that will serve to enhance our readiness, strengthen relationships with our existing community partners, and identify opportunities to grow support in the communities we serve.”

During a disaster, local or national, the Red Cross provides safe shelter, food, emergency relief supplies, emotional support, health services and recovery assistance to those in need. These services are free and available to anyone who has experienced a disaster, which includes floods, home fires, hurricanes, storms, tornadoes and wildfires.

The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters a year in the U.S., and the majority are home fires. Home fires claim seven lives a day in the U.S. but working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half. The Red Cross installs free smoke alarms and teaches fire safety information through its Home Fire Campaign, now in its 10th year. Disaster Action Teams are available 24/7 year-round, in-person or virtually.

Rooks joins the Michigan Region from the Georgia Region, where she served as senior disaster program manager from 2019 – 2024. She also served as interim regional disaster officer in the Alaska, Central Florida and Georgia regions. Prior to her role in disaster management, Rooks was operations director in the George Region from 2016 – 2019.

Rooks earned a master’s degree in Public Health at the University of Tennessee. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Community Health and Health and Human Performance, each from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

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MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / david.olejarz@redcross.org / 313-303-0606

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.