Carr to take position with Red Cross of Idaho

Eastern Idaho native Steven Carr has been named to the American Red Cross of Idaho board of directors. Carr held the position once before in the mid 1980’s.

Over the past three decades, Carr has served the Red Cross in several capacities. He was the only American elected to the Standing Commission of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the Standing Commission is the highest governing body of the worldwide organization. He served two terms as vice-chairman of the organization.

Carr said he’s eager to return to his Red Cross roots.

“It’s good for me. It’s nice to reconnect with my community, to circle back,” Carr said. “Everything has changed so much through the years. I’ll be learning just like all new volunteers do.”

Carr, who has a degree in political science from Utah State University and a law degree from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, served on the Red Cross Board of Governors from 2002 to 2008 and chaired the International Services Committee. He also served on the board of Refugees International.

“I would not have stayed with the Red Cross if I didn’t see how important the work was,” he said. “I think what keeps me involved more than anything is the commitment to neutrality. I like the idea of the Red Cross serving anyone and everyone despite what side of the world they’re on and what side of the war they’re on. It’s the humanity, serving the victims of crime and disaster, and the efficiency of what we do.”

In November, he will travel to Antalya, Turkey, for the General Assembly and Council of Delegates of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, bringing together national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies from 190 countries.