The American Red Cross of Ventura County recently announced the appointment of three new personnel to its staff.

Rachel Robles Kaloian joins the organization as director of development. In her position, she will be responsible for the overall management and participation of the annual fund development program to support the chapter. She will also work with staff, volunteers and community members to maintain the many programs established by the American Red Cross.

In a previous position, Kaloian served as a nonprofit consultant for Charity Solutions and also worked as acting executive director/ director of special events and fundraising for the Nicole Brown Charitable Foundation, where she managed events, developed programs and generated fundraising efforts.

Sheralee Smith has been appointed manager of development and will help share in the duties of the fund development program along with Kaloian. Smith will help facilitate the many fundraising events, develop an integrated marketing program aimed at fundraising efforts and represent the American Red Cross at community events and organizations.

Most recently Smith served as assistant store manager for Hollister & Company and as a marketing executive/event coordinator for MIE2 Inc. in Palm Desert.

Ava Avedissian was hired as the new emergency services coordinator. Avedissian will assist in emergency management, disaster planning and response, and will support the overall efforts of the Emergency Services Department.

Avedissian assisted in the Tea Fire in Santa Barbara, the Jesusita Fire and the Haiti earthquake. She is a graduate of Westmont College, where she helped to revise, train and implement emergency plans.