Gail J. McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross

Gail J. McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross, will deliver a speech entitled "One Year After the Haiti Earthquake: Progress and Challenges" at a National Press Club luncheon on Jan, 12, 2011.

In 2008, McGovern was tapped to head the $3.3 billion organization which is the nation's leading emergency response and blood services organization, has overseen the response to several high-profile disasters and has initiated steps to reduce the Red Cross's deficits and streamline its operations.

Prior to joining the Red Cross, McGovern was a faculty member at the Harvard Business School and served as president of Fidelity Personal Investments. She served as executive vice president for the Consumer Markets Division at AT&T. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from Columbia University. In 2000 and 2001, Fortune magazine recognized McGovern as one of the top 50 most powerful women in corporate America.

The National Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. McGovern's remarks will begin at 1:00, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Guest may purchase tickets by calling (202) 662-7501 or [email protected]. Cost of luncheon admission is $18 for National Press Club members, $28 for their guests and $35 for general admission.