My Red Cross Story: John Saad

By Sandy Habib, Volunteer

Everyone who knows John Saad today is aware of his commitment to assist and support the mission of the American Red Cross. After all, John’s role as a Partner and experienced consultant at Guidehouse has always been rooted in the mission of solving important problems and being of service to our communities. What they may not realize, though, is the series of events that sparked his call to service.

In 2001, soon after the tragic events of September 11th, John began working on a consulting project called the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which helped those whose lives had been impacted by the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. He found this important role to be extremely gratifying. From this point on, he sought work assignments in his company’s Public Sector division and found great fulfillment in helping victims in a professional capacity.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and the Gulf region, causing massive destruction. This time, John’s consulting work focused on preventing fraud and other abuses in the disaster relief industry. He worked with numerous federal agencies and other organizations, including the Red Cross; this experience helped him better understand and appreciate the vital roles that these groups play after disasters.

Before long, John began supporting the Red Cross outside of a professional capacity. He began participating at Red Cross events, such as blood drives, Sound the Alarm, and the 2019 Disaster Preparedness Summit. Then he did what he could do to encourage others – in both his professional and personal networks – to give back as well.

“I’m really impressed with the range of programs and initiatives supported by the Red Cross - from house fires to support for troops to the maintenance of the nation’s blood supplies. I’m so proud to bring my support and my Guidehouse team to help out at Red Cross events," said John.

"For example, in May, I brought a team of 20 to support one of ARC’s Sound the Alarm events. We were all so humbled to be able to talk to residents about simple ways to increase their chances of surviving house fires. It was so rewarding to install new smoke detectors and discuss plans for residents to escape their homes in under 2 minutes. And, of course, I was so inspired to spread the tips to my family and friends."

John with the Guidehouse team at the May Sound the Alarm event.

There are so many ways to help the Red Cross that John feels everyone can find a way to serve. Now, nearly every time John is able to volunteer with the Red Cross, he brings a team of several dozen colleagues, friends, and family with him to take on the mission and teach by example.

“My goal is to establish strong corporate engagements with various Red Cross initiatives and make a difference through our support. It’s important to lead by example so I do what I can to encourage my staff to volunteer their time, talents and support financially where they can. Quarterly, we schedule time to support different the Red Cross initiatives and events; my team and I hold each other accountable to make sure that we meet the goals that we set and keep Red Cross top of mind as we go through our work and person lives,” John says.  

For the past three years, John has served on the Red Cross Board of Directors, a direct reflection on their appreciation of his commitment and impact.

It was John’s consulting career that first exposed him to the Red Cross and its many volunteer opportunities. By giving his time to support Red Cross initiatives, he learned that there are so many ways – both big and small – to help. Now, John uses this lesson and his giving spirit to encourage others to look inside themselves, dedicate the time and contribute in any way they can.