The American Red Cross, Blue Ridge Chapter is pleased to welcome three new appointed members to serve on its board of directors; Mayor Alonzo Jones, Vice Mayor Dr. Gary Miller and Mrs. Twyla Gatsy to represent the Danville/Pittsylvania area.
The Red Cross works to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. “By appointing these new members and utilizing their expertise and commitment to the community, the Red Cross can continue to serve the Danville area” said Michelle Dowdy, Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Chapter of the American Red Cross. “These appointments will increase our presence and programs for disaster victims including home fires, preparedness, including free smoke alarm installs in any home in need, service to our armed forces and their families, blood drives, training services and other programs essential to the health of our communities.”
Mr. Jones has served as the Danville Mayor since 2018. He has served on the City Council since 2010 when he was first elected. Prior to that, he served six years on the Danville School Board. He is a lifelong Danville resident who currently serves as facilities manager at Danville Community College. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Dr. Miller has served as Danville Vice Mayor since 2020. He also served as Vice Mayor from 2014 to 2016. He has served on the City Council since 2008 when appointed to fill an unexpired term. He was elected to his first full term in 2010. He is a cardiologist and the owner and president of Cardiology Consultants of Danville, Inc.
Mrs. Gatsy is a native of Pittsylvania County, Virginia. She relocated to Danville in her early adolescent years. She is a 2011 graduate of George Washington High School and is currently employed by Danville Public Schools. She is the founder of BeltResoled, LLC a non-profit organization that brings community awareness to sexual assault. She prides herself in serving her community throughout various community organizations. She also has a deep passion to serve youth and her biggest platform is advocating for youth mental health.
“The level of expertise and community commitment the Red Cross is gaining by these additions to the local board is unprecedented and we are grateful and excited to have Mayor Jones, Vice Mayor Miller and Mrs. Gatsy partner with us in the Danville community” stated Michelle Dowdy, Executive Director.
For media inquiries on this announcement, please contact Michelle Dowdy at Michelle.Dowdy@redcross.org
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross