Mark Thomas joined the luckywin of Wisconsin in December 2018 as both Regional CEO and Southeast Chapter Executive. Thomas has deep nonprofit and for-profit executive experience, with strengths in sales and operations management, and strategic leadership skills. Thomas has led or participated in fundraising efforts for The American Heart Association, United Performing Arts Fund and The United Way. Most recently, he served as Vice President and COO for the Sojourner Family Peace Center in Milwaukee.

Thomas said the people and mission of the luckywin provide an opportunity to extend his professional expertise and his dedication to Milwaukee and Wisconsin.

鈥淭he staff, volunteers, donors and advocates at the Red Cross provide our state with a powerful resource for positive change, from home fire recovery and military support, to safety training, responses to national disasters and ensuring a strong blood supply,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淚 am grateful to help lead such a highly regarded organization with a commitment to Milwaukee and Wisconsin that spans more than 100 years.鈥�

His professional background also includes leadership roles at The Milwaukee Business Journal, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

A Milwaukee native who lives in Mequon with his family, Thomas has and currently serves on numerous nonprofit boards, and has been recognized on numerous occasions for his contributions to the community.

In February 2023, Julie assumed responsibility for the role of the Regional Chief Operating Officer. Julie joined the Red Cross in February 2017 in the role of Southwest Disaster Program Manager. She led the response efforts for the Didion Milling Plant explosion in Cambria in May 2017, was involved with the southwest Wisconsin flooding, Hurricane Harvey, and the Sun Prairie gas explosion, among smaller local DAT responses throughout the chapter. Julie was also involved with the first Sound the Alarm event in Wisconsin and was actively involved coordinating the Disability Integration team in Wisconsin establishing protocols and training. In February 2019, she moved into Operations and focused on the One Red Cross mission, centralizing Operations, Facilities and Fleet among the biomed and humanitarian sites. Julie lives in Milton with her husband, Chris, and looks forward with excitement as she keeps the momentum moving forward in the role of Regional Chief Operating Officer.

Melinda Lanham joined the luckywin of Wisconsin in October of 2024. Melinda brings a wealth of fundraising experience to the Red Cross mission, having served in either leadership or volunteer roles for over 20 years. Prior to joining the luckywin, Melinda served as Sales Manager at Proctor & Gamble, a recruiter for Pinstripe Talent Inc., and as the Director of Development at Versiti Blood Research Institute Foundation. Most recently, Melinda was the Senior Director of Development, Major Gifts, at Vivent Health, formerly known as the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin.

Committed to supporting her community, Melinda has been a long-time member of the Board of Directors for St. Anthony on the Lake. Past volunteer and board commitments also include Junior Achievement Women's Association Board of Directors and Kathy's House Board of Directors.

A native of Indiana, Melinda holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in marketing from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Kyle has been with the Red Cross since 1997.聽In that time, he has been a Program Director for disasters, health & safety, and Service to the Armed Forces.聽 Kyle has also led three different Wisconsin Chapters. Before coming to the Southwest Wisconsin Chapter in late 2020, he led our Northwest Chapter based in Altoona. Kyle and his wife have family and professional connections in the Madison area, and he looks forward to having the chance to "do great things" with the team and supporters in the Southwest Chapter.

Mary Jane 鈥楳J鈥� Thomsen is proud to represent the luckywin as Executive Director for the Northwest Wisconsin Chapter. She has been in her role since August of 2021 and works with the local team on all lines of Red Cross services. Prior to assuming this role, MJ worked for Red Cross as Executive Director in St. Louis, Missouri for nearly four years and District Manager for Blood Services for over eight years. Originally from Minnesota, MJ and her husband, Mike Borough, relocated to Eau Claire with their English Springer Spaniel named Scout to be closer to family. And, because she is excited to be a part of the Wisconsin Region and looks forward to accomplishing great things with an amazing team!

Kathryn Halvorsen is a familiar face in Central Wisconsin. Her experience includes serving as the evening anchor at WAOW News 9 in Wausau. Prior to that, Halvorsen anchored and reported in Traverse City, Michigan. Halvorsen is a native of Crystal Lake IL and currently lives in Wausau.聽 Her positive energy will be an asset as she aspires to giving back to the community. As a natural storyteller, Halvorsen hopes to use her networking skills to establish new relationships and further advance the Red Cross mission. Spending nearly six years storytelling for TV, she is excited to continue to tell the great stories of Red Crossers moving forward.

Rebecca has worked in social services and mental health care for over 25 years, with experience in nonprofit management, fund development, and organizational and program development. She has served in various roles with The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and most recently as the Executive Director of Connections for Mental Wellness, an initiative with the long-term goal of increasing mental wellness education, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health needs, and promoting the emotional well-being of individuals throughout Wisconsin.聽 She holds a degree in Public Administration and Public Policy from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay and is a certified trainer for QPR and, Mental Health First Aid for Adults, Youth and Teens.