Our June Member of the Month is Linda Mathes, former CEO of the American Red Cross National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region. Linda continues to work in the nonprofit world as co-leader of the Bipartisan Leadership Project, tackling a wide array of issues with a bipartisan lens.
Linda had been an IWF-DC member since 2013 and served on the IWF-DC board as treasurer in 2020-2021.
Q&A with Linda Mathes
Q: Tell us about you, where you work.
"Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve." This MLK, Jr. quote had meaning for me even before he was assassinated in Memphis where I grew up and was living in 1968. Everyone can serve; everyone can make a difference. Whether it's responding to catastrophic or everyday disasters, addressing existential issues like nuclear arms risks or promoting respect between people who think differently, everyone can make a difference, and it takes everyone pitching in. This belief has guided my life - always. And I love engaging people of all kinds in making things better.
After college and some exciting involvement in political work in the great state of Tennessee, with a guitar, blues harp and books in the car, I headed West to find out what I could do in a new environment, without friends, family and contacts.
A long and glorious career with the American Red Cross unfolded. Working with the Red Cross at the local, regional, national and international levels stretched every part of me - mentally, physically and emotionally. I have loved leading and supporting teams with people of all kinds, leading a business of the heart and carrying out a lifesaving/life-strengthening mission, 24/7.
But while serving as the CEO of the National Capital Region, I became increasingly concerned about polarization in this country and wanted to do whatever I could to reduce it. I had experienced for years what it takes to get things done under very difficult circumstances. So, I wrapped up at the Red Cross after 47.5 years and transitioned to equipping the next generation of leaders with what it takes to lead in this polarized environment. To get good things done and have lasting positive results requires bipartisan support, respectful listening and the willingness to work with people who think differently.
I still work in the nonprofit world as co-leader of the Bipartisan Leadership Project. We are tackling a wide array of issues, with a bipartisan lens. It's been exhilarating to lead teams to help create the John Lewis Leadership Academy with the Fairfax County Public Schools; to initiate and conduct the Political Leadership Academy in partnership with George Mason University's Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution; to create the "Exploring Bipartisanship" series in partnership with Detroit PBS and PBS Books; to feature leaders who demonstrate how we can disagree without being disagreeable; and to develop young leaders through the Western Governors Leadership Institute.
With the New START Treaty having expired in February, we have begun working with collaborators to create a campaign to increase awareness about the risks and necessity to reduce them. Also, having been invited to update the "Beyond the Light Switch" documentary, we are leading an independent working group of 60 expert advisors from around the nation to identify ways to modernize the nation's electric system and make it more affordable. And we're leading a working group to increase awareness about the Constitution and its relevance. This is all done with a bipartisan lens. Our partners with Detroit PBS and PBS Books produce and distribute the programs we create together. I work in partnership with the BLP Board, hundreds of advisors, interns and numerous collaborators to make it all come together.
I also serve on three boards with missions to promote service and resilient communities, have been serving as an Executive Mentor for the Global Good Fund for years and still actively support the American Red Cross.
Q: How long have you been an IWF member and have you been an IWF member in another chapter?
I've been an IWF member since 2013 and only with the DC Forum. A member who has been a leader in all the things that are important throughout the community encouraged me to become a member. She told me about the many activities she had been involved with and how IWF was meaningful and an opportunity to meet women who are interesting, stimulating, inspiring and not ego driven. That was quite a testimony and has proven to be my experience with IWF.
Q: How did you first get started in your field, and what--if anything--surprised you about the path you ultimately took?
I had been exposed to and involved in the community beginning in elementary school and onward through college, and this has been a value that has guided my life. After college, some work experience in Tennessee and after heading West for adventure and discovery, I stopped in Dallas. My interests had already begun to take shape - alternative approaches to education, service learning, community connection and resilience, leadership, humanitarianism, being there for people when they most needed it and business of the heart. I wanted to make a positive difference. I found in Dallas a former family minister friend who listened to me talk about my dreams and passions and suggested I call the Red Cross. I did, and the next day I was offered the job of a lifetime. I didn't realize it, but that was the beginning of a 47.5 year-long amazing career.
My career was filled with change management, with turn-around opportunities - difficult situations that required attention, fixing things, determination, willingness to try - catastrophic disasters, financial crises, crisis communications, mergers/acquisitions and more. I found that it always worked to stay focused on the mission and engage a team and people who were impacted by the change.
What surprised me about my path was that it was exciting, engaging, inspiring, demanding, adventurous, exhausting, fast moving and captured my full commitment and attention every step of the way. There was no guidebook, no role models, no path to follow and no stepping stones, especially for women. I was, for example, the first woman to be selected to run a major urban chapter back in the mid-80's.
Q: Looking back, what moment or decision most shaped the direction of your career?
The moment that shaped the direction of my career the most was the moment I realized I did not want to become a concert pianist. I was not my happiest in the practice room all alone with those 88 ivory keys and the ticking of that metronome, practicing piano six hours a day. The community involvement I loved was not in that room with me. While I still love music, I changed my career path to focus on the community work for which I had considerable passion already.
Q: What leadership lesson has been the most valuable?
Teamwork. Getting things done requires teamwork, coalition building and collaboration (internally and externally). Reflecting on the extraordinary people, of all kinds, I had the opportunity to know and work with gives me goosebumps. Teamwork and mission focus make the difference.
Q: What advice would you give to women earlier in their careers that you wish you had received sooner?
Jump in. Participate. Contribute in the ways you can. You add value. So, engage fully. Stay actively curious. Keep on learning and stretching. Have confidence in yourself and feel it. Be authentic.
Q: Is there a mentor, sponsor, or moment of support that made a meaningful difference for you?
When I stopped my cross-country adventure in Dallas and found that former family minister friend, he listened to me. He then fed back to me that he heard me express interest in the kinds of things the Red Cross was all about. His thoughtful, active listening and insight was the beginning of a spectacular career. I never forgot those moments with Rev. Brooks Ramsey and how essential it is to listen fully to the person I am coaching, mentoring or befriending.
Q: What's a hobby or interest that might surprise people who only know you professionally?
Rollerblading. Love it! Tennis, too.
Q: Is there a skill you're still working on or something you are learning right now?
I'm constantly in learning mode. There is so much to learn!! So much to do. For example, right now I'm learning a lot about energy - the increased demand, the many different sources, why costs are increasing, infrastructure issues and the daunting workforce needs over the next 10 years and more.
Linda had been an IWF-DC member since 2013 and served on the IWF-DC board as treasurer in 2020-2021.
Q&A with Linda Mathes
Q: Tell us about you, where you work.
"Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve." This MLK, Jr. quote had meaning for me even before he was assassinated in Memphis where I grew up and was living in 1968. Everyone can serve; everyone can make a difference. Whether it's responding to catastrophic or everyday disasters, addressing existential issues like nuclear arms risks or promoting respect between people who think differently, everyone can make a difference, and it takes everyone pitching in. This belief has guided my life - always. And I love engaging people of all kinds in making things better.
After college and some exciting involvement in political work in the great state of Tennessee, with a guitar, blues harp and books in the car, I headed West to find out what I could do in a new environment, without friends, family and contacts.
A long and glorious career with the American Red Cross unfolded. Working with the Red Cross at the local, regional, national and international levels stretched every part of me - mentally, physically and emotionally. I have loved leading and supporting teams with people of all kinds, leading a business of the heart and carrying out a lifesaving/life-strengthening mission, 24/7.
But while serving as the CEO of the National Capital Region, I became increasingly concerned about polarization in this country and wanted to do whatever I could to reduce it. I had experienced for years what it takes to get things done under very difficult circumstances. So, I wrapped up at the Red Cross after 47.5 years and transitioned to equipping the next generation of leaders with what it takes to lead in this polarized environment. To get good things done and have lasting positive results requires bipartisan support, respectful listening and the willingness to work with people who think differently.
I still work in the nonprofit world as co-leader of the Bipartisan Leadership Project. We are tackling a wide array of issues, with a bipartisan lens. It's been exhilarating to lead teams to help create the John Lewis Leadership Academy with the Fairfax County Public Schools; to initiate and conduct the Political Leadership Academy in partnership with George Mason University's Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution; to create the "Exploring Bipartisanship" series in partnership with Detroit PBS and PBS Books; to feature leaders who demonstrate how we can disagree without being disagreeable; and to develop young leaders through the Western Governors Leadership Institute.
With the New START Treaty having expired in February, we have begun working with collaborators to create a campaign to increase awareness about the risks and necessity to reduce them. Also, having been invited to update the "Beyond the Light Switch" documentary, we are leading an independent working group of 60 expert advisors from around the nation to identify ways to modernize the nation's electric system and make it more affordable. And we're leading a working group to increase awareness about the Constitution and its relevance. This is all done with a bipartisan lens. Our partners with Detroit PBS and PBS Books produce and distribute the programs we create together. I work in partnership with the BLP Board, hundreds of advisors, interns and numerous collaborators to make it all come together.
I also serve on three boards with missions to promote service and resilient communities, have been serving as an Executive Mentor for the Global Good Fund for years and still actively support the American Red Cross.
Q: How long have you been an IWF member and have you been an IWF member in another chapter?
I've been an IWF member since 2013 and only with the DC Forum. A member who has been a leader in all the things that are important throughout the community encouraged me to become a member. She told me about the many activities she had been involved with and how IWF was meaningful and an opportunity to meet women who are interesting, stimulating, inspiring and not ego driven. That was quite a testimony and has proven to be my experience with IWF.
Q: How did you first get started in your field, and what--if anything--surprised you about the path you ultimately took?
I had been exposed to and involved in the community beginning in elementary school and onward through college, and this has been a value that has guided my life. After college, some work experience in Tennessee and after heading West for adventure and discovery, I stopped in Dallas. My interests had already begun to take shape - alternative approaches to education, service learning, community connection and resilience, leadership, humanitarianism, being there for people when they most needed it and business of the heart. I wanted to make a positive difference. I found in Dallas a former family minister friend who listened to me talk about my dreams and passions and suggested I call the Red Cross. I did, and the next day I was offered the job of a lifetime. I didn't realize it, but that was the beginning of a 47.5 year-long amazing career.
My career was filled with change management, with turn-around opportunities - difficult situations that required attention, fixing things, determination, willingness to try - catastrophic disasters, financial crises, crisis communications, mergers/acquisitions and more. I found that it always worked to stay focused on the mission and engage a team and people who were impacted by the change.
What surprised me about my path was that it was exciting, engaging, inspiring, demanding, adventurous, exhausting, fast moving and captured my full commitment and attention every step of the way. There was no guidebook, no role models, no path to follow and no stepping stones, especially for women. I was, for example, the first woman to be selected to run a major urban chapter back in the mid-80's.
Q: Looking back, what moment or decision most shaped the direction of your career?
The moment that shaped the direction of my career the most was the moment I realized I did not want to become a concert pianist. I was not my happiest in the practice room all alone with those 88 ivory keys and the ticking of that metronome, practicing piano six hours a day. The community involvement I loved was not in that room with me. While I still love music, I changed my career path to focus on the community work for which I had considerable passion already.
Q: What leadership lesson has been the most valuable?
Teamwork. Getting things done requires teamwork, coalition building and collaboration (internally and externally). Reflecting on the extraordinary people, of all kinds, I had the opportunity to know and work with gives me goosebumps. Teamwork and mission focus make the difference.
Q: What advice would you give to women earlier in their careers that you wish you had received sooner?
Jump in. Participate. Contribute in the ways you can. You add value. So, engage fully. Stay actively curious. Keep on learning and stretching. Have confidence in yourself and feel it. Be authentic.
Q: Is there a mentor, sponsor, or moment of support that made a meaningful difference for you?
When I stopped my cross-country adventure in Dallas and found that former family minister friend, he listened to me. He then fed back to me that he heard me express interest in the kinds of things the Red Cross was all about. His thoughtful, active listening and insight was the beginning of a spectacular career. I never forgot those moments with Rev. Brooks Ramsey and how essential it is to listen fully to the person I am coaching, mentoring or befriending.
Q: What's a hobby or interest that might surprise people who only know you professionally?
Rollerblading. Love it! Tennis, too.
Q: Is there a skill you're still working on or something you are learning right now?
I'm constantly in learning mode. There is so much to learn!! So much to do. For example, right now I'm learning a lot about energy - the increased demand, the many different sources, why costs are increasing, infrastructure issues and the daunting workforce needs over the next 10 years and more.