November 27, 2007

Red Cross Chief Ousted Over Affair

Mark Everson, president and CEO of the American Red Cross, was forced to resign today over what appears to have been an improper relationship with an employee.

Everson, who is married, had been on the job since May 29 of this year. In an unusually candid statement, the Red Cross announced, "The Board acted quickly after learning that Mr. Everson engaged in a personal relationship with a subordinate employee. It concluded that the situation reflected poor judgment on Mr. Everson's part and diminished his ability to lead the organization in the future."

The blunt language may be an indication that the organization, the nation's most prominent domestic humanitarian aid agency, is taking measures to shield itself from a harassment lawsuit. The statement also said that the board was forming a search committee for Everson's replacement, and that General Counsel Mary Elcano would serve as interim president and CEO.

Everson served as IRS commissioner from 2003 until he left in May to take the helm at the Red Cross.

Posted at 5:42 PM
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