About John Miller

John Miller, CEO of the American Red Cross on Long Island, was appointed CEO of the Suffolk Chapter in January 2011. Subsequently, Miller directed the mergers of Nassau, Suffolk and Shelter Island into one, stronger organization. In the process, he upgraded the management, public affairs and revenue infrastructure. Miller’s diversified executive experience allows him to effectively lead the organization in providing humanitarian services to more than 2.8 million residents and to be it’s external “face.”

In recognition of John’s strong leadership, he was named as Outstanding CEO for 2014 by Long Island Business News and ARCLI received the prestigious 2014 HIA-LI Business Achievement Award.

Miller has overseen the largest Red Cross responses in Long Island history, Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy; where he worked with government officials at the federal, state and local levels, as well as with celebrities, donors and Red Cross employees and volunteers from across the country and around the world. He is also a member of the Senior Management Team of the Red Cross Greater New York Region.

Immediately before the Red Cross, Miller was Chief of Staff at the Food Bank For New York City, one of the largest operations of its kind in the USA. Miller was responsible for managing daily operations as well as serving as a liaison for the CEO to internal and external audiences, including the Board, executive staff, donors and government.

Prior to the Food Bank, Miller’s most notable experience included serving as Commissioner of Public Works for the Town of Babylon, N.Y. and COO of Mercy College. Miller is a member of the Babylon Zoning Board and Presidential Advisory Committee of the Urban League of LI. He attended Hofstra University, where he received his MBA and BBA. He is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. Miller is a member of the 2013 class of the Energeia Partnership at Molloy College and was recognized in 2013 as one of LI’s Top 40 under 40.

Tell us how ARCLI started.

The American Red Cross has a long tradition of service on Long Island dating back to the early 1900’s. However, the last four years have been among our busiest. We merged the Nassau, Suffolk and Shelter Island Chapters into one stronger chapter for all of Long Island. Also during this time, we responded to Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy. In addition to large scale responses we respond to hundreds of single family house fires, assist hundreds of members of the Armed Forces and Veterans, train Long Islanders in CPR and First Aid classes and collect thousands of units of lifesaving blood.

What was a turning point for you/your organization?

Our response to Superstorm Sandy was the largest in Long Island history. We assisted thousands of people in need immediately after the storm and today continue to provide funding to agencies active in Sandy long term recovery. Our response was diligent and comprehensive.

What is your philosophy at ARCLI?

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Tell us about your organization’s profile today.

We work very diligently to be able to provide the services Long Island residents need from The American Red Cross. A large part of our plan has been to increase our public profile over the last four years. We have done so by building strong relationships with our partners in government, having an aggressive media and public relations strategy and by “being at the table.” We try to attend as many elected official and civic forums as possible to ensure people know about the American Red Cross on Long Island.

What opportunities do you see in the future?

I believe that one of the most important opportunities for the American Red Cross on Long Island is to continue to build partnerships with our fellow Non Profit organizations here on Long Island. The more we coordinate, the more we play to each other’s strengths, the more effective we will collectively be.