Lifetime of Achievement: Noel Anderson, American Red Cross

The peaceful state of Kansas holds a rich history, from the Pony Express National Historic Trail to vast farmlands that feed the nation and even part of Kansas City. Known for its pride in the Kansas City Chiefs, four-time Super Bowl champions, Kansas is also home to Noel Anderson, Chief Sustainability Officer of the American Red Cross and a University of Kansas Business Communications graduate.

Noel Anderson’s nonprofit career spans more than 20 years, with roles at organisations such as United Way, the University of Kansas Endowment Association and since 2006, the American Red Cross. He began in local positions, including Assistant Executive Director and Chief Development Officer for the Kansas region.

Founded in 1881, the American Red Cross is the official U.S. affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and has been at the forefront of disaster relief efforts, from the Titanic in 1912 to the Maui wildfires in 2023. Today, it responds to an emergency every eight minutes and provides CPR, first aid and AED training to nearly 6,000 people daily. The organisation collects around 4.5m blood donations annually, which are vital for life saving treatments.

Beyond first aid and disaster response, the Red Cross offers over 540,000 services annually to military members, veterans and their families. In 2012, Noel was appointed National Vice President of Development for the Southwest and Rocky Mountain Division, managing fundraising across nine states to meet a nearly US$70m annual target with the help of over 120 fundraisers. Later, as National Vice President for Humanitarian Operations, he led strategic planning and operational support for local Red Cross chapters nationwide.

The Red Cross, with a workforce made up of over 90% volunteers, helps communities recover from disasters like floods, hurricanes and droughts—events that are increasing in frequency due to climate change.

“The American Red Cross is in unprecedented times,” said Noel. “Our position as a disaster response organisation puts us on the frontlines of extreme weather and the climate crisis every single day. This is pretty motivating and inspiring, making sure that we're not adding to the climate-caused disasters that are out there.”

In 2021, Noel stepped into his current role as Chief Sustainability Officer, where he leads the Red Cross’s efforts to lessen its environmental footprint by embedding climate-focused strategies into its mission. Transportation, logistics, and even waste from supplies like blood bags can impact the environment. With staff and volunteers supporting those affected by natural disasters every day, the organisation is committed to minimising its contribution to environmental challenges.

“We're always trying to find ways to be innovative and creative — some of those work, some don't — but we know that we need to do that to be able to be successful,” he says.

Honouring humanitarian leadership at at Sustainability LIVE London

Noel was honoured with the Lifetime of Achievement Award at the Global Sustainability and ESG Awards 2024 at Sustainability LIVE London. 

“It’s not just about me, it’s really about the entire Red Cross community,” Noel said. “It's a representation of all we’ve accomplished so far.” 

Noel impressed the judges with his approach to sustainability, diversity and humanitarian aid. 

“His dedication to the prevention and alleviation of human suffering is highlighted by the 19 years he has spent at the American Red Cross,” says Glen White, CEO of BizClik and Sustainability Magazine. “His passion has had a truly global impact and he has prioritised sustainability within that. A truly passionate, impactful leader.”

“Noel richly deserves this award. He is an inspirational leader at the Red Cross — and a man who is setting the sustainability benchmark for other NGOs,” adds Steven Downes, Editor-in-Chief, Sustainability Magazine. 

Despite feeling honoured to receive this award and reflecting on the impact of his career, Noel Anderson remains committed to his work. Looking forward, he aims to further reduce the American Red Cross's environmental footprint while assisting those affected by climate change.

“We've got some pretty concrete planes in place to reduce our carbon footprint, waste and our water use,” says Noel. “This gives us the opportunity to really go into harder sectors and make some inroads in spaces that we haven't been able to address to date.”

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