Stephanie W. Byrd is a lifelong nonprofit leader whose career has been defined by service, community partnership, and steady leadership in moments of need. She recently retired as CEO of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Ohio Region, where she guided a 47-county network through nearly 1,600 disaster responses each year, supported more than 2,000 volunteers, and helped raise a record $20 million in 2025. Under her leadership, the Red Cross brought blood collection back to Cincinnati for the first time in over 70 years, and she personally deployed to disasters in North Carolina, Mississippi, and Kentucky. She also helped strengthen organizational culture through her work on the Black Executive Steering Committee and as national co-sponsor of Umoja.

Before joining the Red Cross, Stephanie led United Way’s Success By 6 initiative, raising $10 million to expand high-quality early childhood experiences and helping pave the way for the Cincinnati Preschool Promise. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles at The Christ Hospital, HealthSpan, the Health Alliance, and Drake Center, where she guided multiple support departments, managed care strategy, communications, and organizational culture. Stephanie is deeply rooted in community life. She has held leadership roles in Jack and Jill, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Links, Incorporated, and Smart Set, and she is an active member of the Church of the Resurrection in Bond Hill. She currently chairs the Board of Trustees of 4C for Children and has served on numerous boards across the region. Her contributions have been recognized with honors including YWCA Career Woman of Achievement, Cincinnatian of the Year, Champion for Children, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Miami University.

Her greatest joy is her family — her three adult children, Austin, Aaron, and Alexis.