On October 14, 2026, the American Red Cross Pacific Coast Chapter announced the appointment of John Marquez as its new Executive Director. Marquez will oversee Red Cross operations and mission delivery throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, which encompasses the Goleta area. He brings more than 25 years of experience in community and business leadership to this new role.
Prior to joining the Red Cross, Marquez served for over seven years as the Executive Director of the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, he held the position of Interim CEO for the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce. During his career, he has focused on building robust partnerships among local government, business, and nonprofit leaders. His work has also included leading fundraising and sponsorship efforts that supported and strengthened local business communities.
Marquez's deep commitment to service and community engagement positions him to advance the Red Cross mission across the Pacific Coast Chapter. His experience in bringing diverse stakeholders together and fostering collaboration is expected to strengthen disaster preparedness, volunteer engagement, and community resilience within the region. Marquez expressed his honor "to join the American Red Cross and serve the communities of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties." He also stated his anticipation of collaborating with volunteers, donors, partners, and staff to expand the organization's impact and address the evolving needs of the communities.
Beyond his professional roles, Marquez has demonstrated dedication to service through various volunteer positions. Since 2021, he has served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, becoming Board President in 2025. He is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Santa Paula and serves on the Santa Paula Measure T Sales Tax Oversight Committee.
As Executive Director, Marquez's primary focus will be on enhancing the chapter’s ability to deliver critical Red Cross services throughout the Pacific Coast region. This includes strengthening existing community partnerships and supporting ongoing volunteer and donor engagement efforts.
The American Red Cross provides essential services that impact daily life for residents across its service areas, including Goleta. The organization shelters, feeds, and offers comfort to victims of disasters, which can range from local house fires to widespread emergencies. It also plays a vital role in national health, supplying approximately 40 percent of the nation's blood. The Red Cross teaches skills that save lives, distributes international humanitarian aid, and supports veterans, military members, and their families. As a nonprofit organization, the Red Cross relies on the dedication of its volunteers and the generosity of the American public to fulfill its mission.
