UCF alumnus Dan Ward, APR, vice president/partner of Curley & Pynn, has joined the American Red Cross Mid-Florida Region board of directors. He also serves on the executive committee as chair of the Community Visibility and Partnership Committee.

The committee’s responsibilities include raising visibility for the American Red Cross as a local organization, establishing CEO Karen Hagan in the community and strengthening community partnerships.

“Serving the community is woven into the culture at Curley & Pynn,” said Ward. “I look forward to continuing the important work of such an established organization and seek to grow the presence of the American Red Cross in Central Florida.”

As a committee chair, one of Ward’s responsibilities is raising awareness of the American Red Cross’ involvement in the local community. Last year, the American Red Cross assisted more than 1,000 Central Florida families. The organization also responds to every house and apartment fire in Florida and across the nation, providing food, clothing, shelter and emergency services for those coping with the tragedy.

Aside from his American Red Cross duties, Ward remains actively involved with his alma mater, the University of Central Florida, serving on the board of directors for the Alumni Association, the board of visitors for the Nicholson School of Communication, and the editorial board of Pegasus magazine. He also served as the president of the Orlando Regional Chapter for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in 2004.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and, supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org.

Founded in 1984, Curley & Pynn provides counsel and advice and total program management to Florida professionals and corporate clients who recognize that in today’s business environment it is essential to communicate with all who have an interest in their success.