Rick Hollander

Before joining the Red Cross, I volunteered for several years in emergency and event assistance at the local level.

What does your job entail?

I am the manager of the crisis management team, overseeing staff members engaged in operational matters, planning, information management and risk monitoring. We are primarily focused on the 'technical' aspect of providing the most effective response to disasters and crises. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is always considering the humanitarian aspect in our operations.
I also serve as a crisis manager within our national crisis organization. Our crisis organization is available 24/7 to respond to emergency requests from our crisis partners.

How did you end up joining the Red Cross?

Before joining the Red Cross, I volunteered for several years in emergency and event assistance at the local level. After nearly ten years in the healthcare sector, I had the opportunity to become professionally involved in emergency and event assistance. Initially in an operational role, and in recent years, increasingly in a tactical/strategic role.

What should a new colleague know?

The Red Cross is a large organization with a wonderful mix of professionals and volunteers, working at both regional and national levels. Seeing the impact we can make at the local level gives me the feeling every day that we are all contributing a piece to the organization's objectives.

Can you say something about your development at the Red Cross?

Over the past eight years, I have been able to develop personally based on my personal ambition. As a result, I have had the opportunity to experience many wonderful things within the organization. As a manager, I consider it important that the people in my team can develop in a way that works for them, both as individuals and as a team.

Are you, like Rick, driven to use your experience in the field of emergency aid or crisis coordination to help others?