MERRIVILLE, IN - (MAY 12, 2014)— The American Red Cross today announced the appointment of three new members who represent a cross section of legal, labor and media organizations to the organization’s Board of Directors. Members will to help guide the strategic direction of Red Cross activities in Lake, Newton and Jasper Counties.
Attorney Sharon Stanzione, Partner of Johnson & Bell LLC; Joree Richards, Business Representative and Referral Agent of IBEW #697; and James Muhammad, President CEO Lakeshore Public Media join an active team of diverse professionals on the board.
“I am delighted to welcome our new members to the Board of Directors,” Gordon T. Johnson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana. “We feel fortunate for the range of knowledge and expertise that they bring into this role.”
Ms. Sharon Stanzione, a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, became a partner and shareholder of Johnson & Bell LLC in 2009. Her dedication to civil trial and appellate litigation, and work in front of the Indiana Court of Appeals and the Indiana Supreme Court has helped define Indiana Law. Stanzione also teaches at Purdue University, Calumet, and has given multiple speeches regarding legal education and ethics. Stanzione was recognized by The Times of Northwest Indiana and BusINess magazine in their “20 Under 40” awards.
Mr. Joree Richards, began his career path as a union electrician, and in 2004 was hired as the Area Coordinator of the Indiana Plan. His work with Indiana Plan promoted recruitment of women and minorities to the trades, prepared candidates for programs in the building trades, and placed candidates into construction jobs at a training rate. In 2013 Richards was hired by IBEW Local #697 as their Business Representative & Referral Agent where he promotes a high standard of living and security for IBEW members.
Mr. James Muhammad became President and CEO of Lakeshore Public Media in 2013. He previously served as Director of Radio Services of West Virginia Public Broadcasting where he oversaw major productions, two that have had national distribution on public television. Muhammad spearheaded major outreach projects for the West Virginia Senate Select Committee on Child Poverty, and served on several boards including Public Radio Program Directors Association, Eastern Region Public Media and National Public Radio’s Committee on Signal Expansion. Muhammad is a regular consultant in public broadcasting.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago leads a regional grouping in Illinois and Northwest Indiana that serves more than 9.6 million people. For more information: redcross.org.
