Casey has History of Public Service

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (September 16, 2008) — The Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is pleased to announce the appointment of  Lawrence W. Casey of Palm Beach Gardens as the chapter’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2008.  Casey will oversee operations in the four counties within the chapter’s jurisdiction, including Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee and Palm Beach.

 ”We are pleased to have someone on board who has a long history of public service,” said Michael A. Lampert, Chapter Chairman. “Lawrence knows Palm Beach County and the region very well. He has had a hands-on working relationship with its families, federal, state, and local officials and with the business community. He has also worked closely with our local officials and residents on storm preparations and post-hurricane matters.  Lawrence knows and understands our needs in South Florida.”

Casey joins the Red Cross with an array of public and private sector experience including his most recent position as Associate Deputy Under Secretary at the Bureau of International Labor Affairs / U.S. Department of Labor. In this role, Casey managed a staff of more than 85 and a yearly budget of nearly $100 million with more than $750 million in existing human rights programs in over 75 countries around the world. Among other responsibilities, Casey was designated the emergency coordinator by his agency for continuity of operations, within the federal government, in the event of a national or international disaster, including a potential pan-flu epidemic. 

Other achievements include Casey’s experience as Chief of Staff to two members of Congress and his tenure as director of Congressman Clay Shaw’s Palm Beach County District Office of Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. In total, through his Congressional service, he was charged with the responsibility of overseeing and delivering federal services to more than a million constituents. He also acted in non-official capacities for public officials and was tasked with finding and keeping thousands of volunteers.  He oversaw multi-million dollars of fund raising efforts, leveraged resources, and kept balanced budgets.  In the private sector, Casey was a principal in McCary and Rood, an international investment, consulting and management group.

“It is the singular honor of my career to put my experience and passion for public service to work and lead the Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, serving my friends and neighbors in my home community,” Casey noted.  “My goals are simple and clear: lead the best team of professionals and volunteers to protect and serve the people of the region; raise the funds necessary to meet our needs and goals; build a state of the art headquarters and emergency operations center; and to make our Red Cross chapter the standard of excellence as the best chapter in the nation,” he added.

 “Mr. Casey joins the Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter with a vision and a great deal of enthusiasm for the Chapter’s future.” Lampert concluded.

About the American Red Cross:
For over 90 years, the American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter, which includes Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee and Palm Beach Counties, has provided relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and families. The American Red Cross, a charity and not a government agency, depends on voluntary contributions of time and money to perform its humanitarian mission. To learn more about the work of the Red Cross in communities, or to make a donation, please call 561-833-7711 or visit our website at  www.redcross-pbc.org.