San Rafael Exec Snags Humanitarian Award

A San Rafael woman earlier this month was honored by one of the world’s most respected humanitarian agencies.

Paula Downey was named the 2014 Humanitarian CEO of the Year by a Bay Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Downey is president and CEO of CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer.

The announcement was made on November 5 at a reception for the Bay Area philanthropic and corporate community at the law offices of Pillsbury in downtown San Francisco.

Downey will officially accept the award at the 2014 Red Cross Gala, which takes place on Saturday, April 5, 2014, on the Great Lawn on Treasure Island.

Each year, the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter selects a local CEO to be honored at the Red Cross Gala – one who embodies the visionary qualities of a humanitarian by being a leader, an advocate and a philanthropist, who has made a significant contribution to the Bay Area community.

The American Red Cross is honoring Downey as this year’s recipient in recognition of her long-standing support of the American Red Cross.

As the leader of CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer, Downey oversees a coast-to-coast operation providing AAA-branded insurance to members in 23 states and Washington D.C.

The company’s 3,500 employees frequently work side by side with Red Cross volunteers to restore people’s lives in the wake of major disasters, such as Superstorm Sandy and the Moore, Oklahoma tornado.

The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter provides relief to those affected by disasters and empowers individuals in our community to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

For more information or to give to contribute to the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter call 1-888-4-HELP-BAY (1-888-443-5722) or visit www.redcross.org/bayarea. The group can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.