Relay Resources Names Former Red Cross Technology Leader Bob Hestand as New Chief Information Officer and SVP, Workplace Innovation

PORTLAND, Ore., December 7, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Bob Hestand, an established leader in technology and non-profit, joins Relay Resources as Chief Information Officer and SVP, Workplace Innovation, leveraging universal design and centering people with disabilities.

Hestand began his career at the American Red Cross, the nation’s largest non-profit organization, working in health and safety services, disaster relief and information technology (IT), progressing to IT Director. Across every role at the Red Cross, Hestand enjoyed supporting the operational intricacies of the organization while making a positive impact on people’s lives. 

"Bob is exactly the kind of person we need leading technology and workplace innovation as Relay grows,” said Dr. Jennifer Camota Luebke, President and Chief Executive Officer at Relay Resources. “He brings an in-depth non-profit understanding and an inclusive approach to our team that perfectly complements our growth mindset while supporting our mission to provide meaningful work for people with disabilities.”

“I'm looking forward to getting back to my non-profit roots,” said Hestand. “Supporting a wide variety of services while creating fully accessible environments, modernizing our systems and ensuring we’re both safe and compliant is a complex and exciting opportunity. Working with the team to help Relay grow more effectively and efficiently will be very rewarding.”

Recently, Hestand spent five years leading IT and HR functions for Neil Kelly, the nation’s largest remodeling contractor. He guided the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, developing remote work policies and tools while managing significant fluctuations in resource needs. Early in his Neil Kelly career, Hestand initiated the company’s first formal IT function, designing and implementing a structure for growth while establishing an effective support team. Prior, Hestand was responsible for internal IT and established the managed services function at Marquam Group.

Hestand earned an Executive MBA from the University of Oregon Lundquist College of Business and a bachelor's from Indiana University. He contributes thought leadership on digital transformation, technology and innovation with advisory boards in the U.S. and U.K. such as Midsize Enterprise Services Advisory Board, Cybersecurity Festival Advisory Board, Interface and Lindfield University Customer Experience Advisory Board.

At a time when Disabilities is often the forgotten “D” in Diversity, Relay Resources, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is actively cultivating an environment of true inclusion by creating meaningful work for people with disabilities.

Source: Relay Resources