Missoula, MT — The American Red Cross of Montana has a new leader at the helm: Hannah Zuraff, the organization’s newly appointed executive director. With a clear vision and a set of ambitious goals, Zuraff is ready to guide the Red Cross into a new chapter of disaster relief and community support.
In her new role, Zuraff is focused on expanding fundraising efforts, rallying local volunteers, and mobilizing Montana communities to respond effectively to disasters. “There’s a lot of partnerships and collaborations,” Zuraff said, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in tackling the state’s increasing vulnerability to natural disasters.
Montana has faced its share of catastrophic events in recent years, including historic wildfires and severe flooding. As these natural disasters become more frequent and costly, the Red Cross is ramping up its disaster-response efforts to meet the growing demand for assistance.
Zuraff is no stranger to disaster relief. A graduate of the University of Montana, she holds a master’s degree in public administration with a focus on nonprofit management. Standing outside the Lockwood Fire Station in Billings, she underscored the organization’s vast network, explaining how the Red Cross mobilizes disaster response efforts not only across Montana but also in other parts of the country, as far as Los Angeles.
The American Red Cross works closely with local fire departments and other partners in Montana to establish mobile response centers, provide training for volunteers, and distribute essential resources such as smoke detectors to residents. Zuraff pointed out that the organization’s reach extends well beyond disaster relief.
“In the state of Montana last year, we had to set up seven shelters due to wildfires,” she said. “We are constantly supporting people in times of disaster.” These efforts include providing critical services like financial assistance, disaster mental health care, and medical care.
The Red Cross also plays a significant role in responding to home fires. Last year alone, the organization responded to 24 home fires in Billings. While blood donation is one of the most well-known facets of the Red Cross’s work, Zuraff emphasized that the organization’s mission is much broader, addressing a wide range of emergency needs.
Despite being a national organization, Zuraff stressed that the Red Cross prioritizes local communities. “These are the services we can provide: financial assistance, disaster mental health care, medical care — all of these things the Red Cross can offer in times of distress,” she explained.
The Red Cross is also deeply involved in military support. Zuraff highlighted the organization’s significant presence in assisting the armed forces and military families, with about 3% of the agency’s funding coming from the Department of Defense.
However, recent discussions about federal funding cuts, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration, have raised concerns about potential impacts on operations. Zuraff, however, reassured that the Red Cross’s operations have not been significantly affected. “We are really funded by the $20 gift,” she said, underscoring the importance of local and national donations in sustaining the organization’s disaster response efforts.
As the new executive director, Zuraff is committed to building a stronger, more resilient Red Cross in Montana, ensuring that the organization continues to serve communities in times of crisis. With her leadership, the American Red Cross of Montana is poised to tackle the challenges of the future while staying true to its mission of helping those in need.
