Our Chair
Virginia Albanese
Virginia Albanese is president and CEO of FedEx Custom Critical, North America’s largest, critical-shipment carrier. The company provides 24/7 service throughout the United States, Canada and internationally, delivering hundreds of thousands of critical shipments each year. Expedited shipping services are available through the company's Surface Expedite, Air Expedite and White Glove Services® divisions. The company also has a subsidiary, FedEx Truckload Brokerage, to meet customers truckload shipping.
Since joining FedEx Custom Critical in 1986, Albanese has worked with various departments to streamline processes and use technology to provide even better and more efficient service to internal and external customers.
As director of Safety, Recruiting and Contractor Relations in 1995, Albanese led the reorganization of the Safety department into work teams that handle all areas relating to safety, from qualifying new driving contractors to coordinating permits. Albanese improved productivity by automating many of the Safety processes. She also worked with the Contractor Relations area to offer new and innovative programs to contractors.
As managing director of Service and Safety in 1999, Albanese led a cultural initiative in the Surface Expedite division to refocus on customer satisfaction, reorganized the company's recruiting organization and expanded the operations leadership.
As vice president of Customer Service and Operations, Albanese led the company in overall operations. She was responsible for strategic planning, employee development and process improvements to ensure the highest quality, most efficient service to customers. Her responsibilities also included maintaining fleet safety standards, recruiting contractors and improving retention and satisfaction among the contractors who lease their vehicles and services to FedEx Custom Critical.
Albanese earned a bachelor of science degree from Kent State University in 1985 and an EMBA also from Kent State in 1995. She is the chairwoman of the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce and serves on a number of other boards to benefit the Northeast Ohio community, including Akron Children's Hospital and The Boys and Girls Club of the Western Reserve.
Message From Nancy Brown
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Akron Go Red for Women Website! We’re delighted you are here and appreciate your interest in learning how you can advance health, stop heart disease and save women’s lives. That’s what the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® movement is all about.
Heart disease isn’t just a man’s problem. It’s a woman’s problem, too. In fact, it’s the No. 1 killer of women. And, tragically, far too few women realize their risk from this preventable disease. We need to raise women’s awareness of their risk and protect our mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and ourselves.
You can help, starting today. Here’s how:
First, take charge of your own heart health. Visit your doctor. Know your numbers (learn more at www.GoRedForWomen.org). You can improve your blood pressure, cholesterol and other numbers by making lifestyle changes. You’ll be healthier and look and feel better, too.
Second, join the American Heart Association in making it your mission to fight heart disease in women. Help spread the word that heart disease is women’s No. 1 killer. Share what you learn today with your family and members of your community. Tell five women you want them to live and we can help stop heart disease in our lifetime.
Third and last, consider making a contribution. Your donation today will make a difference in the lives of women here and across the country. You can help fund local and national Go Red activities that support awareness, research, education and community programs that benefit women.
Thank you again for being here. My hope is that you won’t leave today without committing to making a difference by joining the Go Red For Women movement — women everywhere need your help. Only one in five women believes that heart disease is her greatest health threat. We believe reducing risk and preventing heart disease starts with education — and you. There’s so much to do, and so much at stake.
With your commitment, we can help women and their families live longer, stronger lives. Thank you for your generous support.
Warm regards,
Nancy Brown
Chief Executive Officer
American Heart Association
