Kelsey Lemon

Vice President, International Cooperation and Programs

Kelsey Lemon is Vice-President, International Cooperation and Programs at the Canadian Red Cross. In this role, she is responsible for international operations,  including partnerships with Red Cross Red Crescent Movement colleagues to promote humanitarian diplomacy and deliver efficient and timely emergency response and humanitarian services to people and communities in need. 

Kelsey joined the Canadian Red Cross as a National Society Development and Partnership Advisor in 2016. In 2020, she became Senior Director, International Cooperation and Programs, where she led Canadian Red Cross programs and initiatives – including health, disaster risk management, resilience, and capacity strengthening – in Africa, MENA, Asia and the Americas.  

Kelsey has worked in international development and the humanitarian sector for more than 20 years, specializing in partnership management and capacity strengthening initiatives. Before joining Red Cross, she served as Director of Corporate and Community Engagement at CARE Canada and was Director of International Partnership at SOS Children’s Villages Canada. She has also served as a volunteer board member for the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children and the City for all Women Initiative.  

Kelsey holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Studies from jointly conferred by the University of Ottawa and Saint Paul University, and a High Honours Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from Carleton University.  

Kelsey resides in Ottawa where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons.