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The leadership structure of the American Red Cross has undergone several changes over the organization's 125-year history. Under the original articles of incorporation (1881), the organization's founder, Clara Barton served as president, supported by other officers, an executive board, and a board of consultation. Following Barton's resignation in 1904, the organization was restructured under a congressional charter (1905) that created a Central Committee as the governing body of the Red Cross. Its Chairman, appointed by the president of the United States, served as principal officer of the organization. In 1906 the Red Cross added a largely ceremonial office of President to its structure. In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson agreed to serve in this position, thereby establishing a tradition followed by all subsequent presidents that they become Honorary President (since 1947 "Honorary Chairman") of the American Red Cross.
During World War I, a temporary restructuring occurred when President Wilson appointed a seven-member War Council to run the many Red Cross war-related activities (1917-1919). After the war, leadership reverted to the Central Committee and its Chairman.
Following World War II, the Red Cross came under heavy pressure to democratize its leadership structure by granting more power to local chapters. Consequently, in 1947, the organization replaced the Central Committee with a Board of Governors, consisting of 50 volunteer members, the majority of whom were elected by the chapters. The President of this new Board, appointed like the Central Committee Chairman by the President of the United States, served as the principal officer of the organization. One more change occurred in 1953 when the Red Cross created the office of a salaried President to serve as the organization's chief executive officer and renamed the head of the Board of Governors as Chairman of the Red Cross. This structure continues today with the volunteer Chairman of the Board of Governors serving as the principal officer of the American Red Cross and the paid President, who is nominated by the Chairman and elected by the Board of Governors, serving as CEO.
The chart on the following page lists the Presidents, Chairmen, and Chief Executive Officers of the American Red Cross and their terms of office. Acting leaders who served briefly during periods of transition are not included. During the period 1919-1947, Red Cross Chairmen had the option of receiving a salary. Since 1947, Presidents have had that option. The chart indicates whether a leader received compensation or not.
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