The Limestone County American Red Cross recently announced that Benard Simelton, president of the Alabama NAACP, has joined its board of directors.

“The Red Cross is an organization that helps people during some of the lowest points in their lives,” Simelton said. “When you lose everything that you have worked so hard for during your entire life, it is good to be there to help those devastated by disasters to begin to put their lives back together. I want to help the Red Cross serve all communities equally.”

Board Chair Dr. Wanda Humphrey believes Simelton will increase the Red Cross outreach to various communities in the county.

“We welcome Mr. Benard Simelton to the Limestone County Board of Directors for the American Red Cross,” she said. “Simelton brings a wealth of experience from his military service and NAACP leadership.”

Khris Anderson, executive director of the North Alabama Red Cross, said it was an honor to have Simelton join the board. The Limestone board of directors works with Anderson to insure the Red Cross is serving the community. Anderson said Simelton brings a perspective that is “sure to enhance service delivery to Limestone County.”

About Simelton

Simelton was born in Tiplersville, Mississippi, and attended college at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1976 and received a master’s in public administration from the University of North Dakota in 1981.

Simelton is a member of Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon. He served 23 years in the Air Force and retired in 2000 as a lieutenant colonel.

Simelton is a lifelong member of the NAACP and served as president of the Limestone County chapter for six years. He is in his fifth year as president of Alabama State Conference of the NAACP.

Simelton was also a founding member of the Athens-Limestone Library Foundation Board and served more than 10 years on the Community Action Partnership for Huntsville/Madison and Limestone counties.

He is also Scoutmaster for Troop 947 and is an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

Simelton is married to the former Elaine Erves of Vicksburg, Mississippi. They are the proud parents of Benard Simelton Jr., an emergency medicine doctor in Brooklyn, New York and Eric Simelton, a medical device district sales manager in Miami, Florida.

Anyone interested in joining the Red Cross board or volunteering should contact 256-689-7128 or email khris.anderson@redcross.org.