Nicole Sirak Irwin

More than three decades of humanitarian work spanning continents has prepared Nicole Sirak Irwin to tackle some of America’s most challenging disaster responses. As CEO of the American Red Cross of Idaho, Montana and East Oregon since 2013, she has transformed regional operations while deploying to lead national disaster relief efforts from Hurricane Maria in Florida to the recent Lahaina Wildfire in Hawaii.

Her international experience includes serving as program officer for the German Marshall Fund’s Balkan Trust for Democracy in Belgrade, Serbia, where she helped launch a multi-donor post-conflict democracy building program. Working in the Balkans during a critical period of rebuilding, she managed relationships with major funders including USAID, the Swedish government and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs while developing strategic funding recommendations for democratic governance initiatives.

This international foundation proved invaluable when Irwin joined the American Red Cross, initially as a Major Gifts officer before being promoted to International Development delegate. In that role, she implemented comprehensive philanthropy programs, including establishing the first food banks in Bulgaria through USDA grants that remain operational today.

Since becoming CEO of the regional chapter, Irwin has exceeded fundraising goals, increasing revenue by 63% over her tenure through strategic major gift solicitation and grant acquisition. She oversees a $3.3 million budget, 24 staff members, 900 volunteers and a board of directors spanning three states.

“Under her guidance, the Red Cross of Idaho has achieved tremendous success,” said Michael J. Mikitish, Idaho-Eastern Oregon Red Cross Board chair. “Our chapter has one of the best fundraising records of any chapter in the U.S., one of the strongest rates of volunteer satisfaction, and one of the most robust blood donation programs in the country.”

Her operational achievements include opening two new blood donation centers in Nampa and Twin Falls. The region has achieved 116% of its blood collection goal this year, collecting more than 270 units of critically needed blood to combat sickle cell disease through targeted outreach to Black communities. Irwin’s leadership includes her role as senior government relations liaison and elected official liaison chief on major national disaster deployments.

“Nicole embodies the core values of the American Red Cross: Compassion, collaboration, creativity, credibility and commitment,” said Melinda Merrill of Eiguren Merrill Public Policy. “She serves as a beacon of hope and action, with her impact measured not only in numbers but also in the lives she touches.”

Irwin was also recently appointed as interim regional CEO for Louisiana during a six-month leadership transition. Additionally, she co-chaired the launch of a comprehensive Pacific Division leadership development program, training emerging Red Cross leaders across seven states.

Irwin’s community involvement includes serving as vice president of the Whitney Foundation and maintaining active participation in Leadership Boise alumni activities. She was also recently recognized as a Tribute to Women in Industry honoree by the Women’s and Children’s Alliance.