Rod Cook, the Executive Director of the East Central Ohio Chapter of the American Red Cross, is set to retire on May 22, 2026, after 23 years of service. Throughout his tenure, Cook has been a key figure in building partnerships with various organizations to advance the mission of the Red Cross. Cook played a significant role in establishing the American Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center in Newark, Ohio. Additionally, he contributed to the Latino Engagement Initiative at a national level, which aims to improve services for Latino communities during disasters. Before joining the Red Cross, Cook worked with several non-profits and served with the Peace Corps in Guatemala.