There is a new Red Cross Director for Wilkes and surrounding counties. The Red Cross Heart of Carolina Region is pleased to announce Cindy Jones as the new American Red Cross Executive Director for the Blue Ridge Chapter. She will serve Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes Counties in North Carolina. Jones has a B.A. from NC State University and an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Appalachian State University. She also has an extensive background in non-profit management. John Hughes, Regional Chief Executive Officer says, “We are delighted to have Cindy join the Red Cross. Her experience in management, fundraising and community relations will make her a wonderful addition to our team.”  Jones will work out of the Boone office but will serve all five counties including Wilkes. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.