BANGOR – The board of directors of the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross announced the selection of Shannon Cox as executive director.

Cox brings exceptional experience in organization management, education, grant administration and community advocacy to the local Pine Tree Chapter, according to board Chairman Michael R. Crowley.

For the past 10 years, she has established herself as an advocate for the disadvantaged, creatively establishing group networks for problem solving.

From 2000 to earlier this year, she was project coordinator and professional development specialist for the Center for Adult Learning and Literacy at the University of Maine, establishing and managing a statewide network of education professionals to address adult learning collaboration between state and local government organizations.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to serve the citizens and communities of the Pine Tree Chapter,” said Cox. “I am a strong advocate of grass-roots organization and citizen involvement in community building. My work in adult literacy and community leadership has provided an excellent foundation to build upon. I am looking forward to working with the volunteers, the staff and the board of directors in continuing the high quality delivery of services the Pine Tree Chapter is known for and in preparing the chapter for future growth and longevity.”

Cox was the unanimous selection of the chapter’s search committee assigned with reviewing and interviewing applicants for the executive director position.

“We felt that with Shannon’s knowledge and background, she was the one to lead the Pine Tree Chapter to the next level. We are very excited to have Shannon come on board,” said board member Allen Campbell, chairman of the search committee.

“We must reinvent our delivery of disaster relief support to friends and neighbors in our part of Maine, expand opportunities for our health and safety education services, and continue to facilitate citizen contact with our military men and women,” said Crowley. “Shannon has a depth of experience bringing like-minded people together and getting the job done – and done well. She is the perfect choice to be our new executive director.”