New Canadian Red Cross Vice President Announced for British Columbia and Yukon

The Canadian Red Cross is pleased to announce the appointment of Pat Quealey, an emergency management expert and committed Red Cross volunteer, as its new vice president for British Columbia and Yukon. Quealey assumes the position held previously by Kimberley Nemrava, who retired in March after 30 years of dedicated service.
 
Quealey brings extensive leadership experience in disaster planning, preparedness and emergency response after a distinguished career of more than 30 years with the B.C. government and Canadian military. He is also a Red Cross volunteer trained to assist people in need after large-scale disasters in Canada and overseas, and a recent member of the Provincial Advisory Committee for B.C. and Yukon.
 
Most recently, Quealey served as chief executive officer of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, a volunteer-based marine rescue service that saves lives and promotes boating safety in B.C. communities.
 
Previously, he worked with the B.C. provincial government as assistant deputy minister for Emergency Management B.C., where he led the province’s inter-agency emergency preparedness council, established an earthquake planning team, and designed B.C.’s first provincially-led catastrophic earthquake exercise, among other accomplishments.
 
Earlier, he held senior roles with the Canadian military, and was responsible for disaster planning and response as chief of staff Land Plans and Operations in British Columbia.
 
With his extensive, diverse background that includes a passion for Red Cross humanitarian work, Quealey is a very welcome addition to the team. He will assume his new role on August 6, 2019 based in Victoria, B.C., and looks forward to meeting with local authorities, Indigenous leaders, partners, and provincial/territorial governments to continue Red Cross work in the region. 

Quotes:

 “Pat brings strong leadership experience and relationships with governments, communities, and volunteers, combined with an understanding of humanitarian work as well as the complexities of emergency management. Pat will have a significant impact within the Red Cross team and on our work supporting the people of B.C. and Yukon.”
- Conrad Sauvé, president and CEO, Canadian Red Cross
 
 
 “Red Cross is a well-respected organization and an outstanding supporter of individuals, families and communities; offering a range of assistance and services from drowning prevention and first aid training to complex disaster response operations. I look forward to joining the Red Cross in this new role and contributing to the continued efforts of our dedicated team and partners.”
- Pat Quealey, vice president, British Columbia and Yukon, Canadian Red Cross
 

About the Canadian Red Cross:

In Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross ((ICRC) and 190 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies – the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and throughout the world.
 
 

Media Contact:

Jenn Houtby
Manager Communications & Stakeholder Relations
British Columbia & Yukon
Phone:  604-340-7889
Email:  jenn.houtby@redcross.ca