Patsy Gasca (formerly Hernandez) is the Disaster Manager for the American Red Cross Central Coast, where she leads disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties.Patsy’s journey with the Red Cross began on October 17, 1989, when she joined as a volunteer with the then-Santa Cruz Red Cross. Just a year and a half later, her dedication and leadership earned her a full-time position, marking the start of a career that has now spanned over 35 years.
In her role, Patsy oversees all aspects of disaster operations, from managing daily emergency responses to coordinating large-scale regional and national disaster relief efforts. She ensures that communities are prepared for crises and receive immediate, effective support when disasters strike.
Under her leadership, the local volunteer team has grown from 34 to an impressive 170 members across three counties. She leads one of the most active and well recognized disaster response teams in the region, an area frequently impacted by natural disasters. Patsy has been instrumental in recruiting, training, and empowering disaster leadership teams, fostering a strong network of strategic partners, volunteers dedicated to serving their communities.
As Disaster Manager, Patsy works closely with the Offices of Emergency Management in all three counties, ensuring seamless collaboration in disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation efforts. Her influence extends beyond disaster management—she is deeply committed to community engagement and leadership.
She serves on various boards and is current President of the Rotary Club of Freedom, where she has played a pivotal role in increasing an amazing line of speaker’s which in turn has sparked interest in membership in our amazing Rotary Club. Additionally, she is an active member of the San Benito Latino Coalition and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Cultural Council, further reinforcing her dedication to advocacy and community service.
Through her unwavering commitment, Patsy continues to strengthen disaster resilience, empower volunteers, and make a lasting impact on the communities she serves.
Current Members:
Aloke Mukherjee: Computer Analyst, ATSA Corp
Amy Lundquist: Senior Product Manager, Apellis Pharmaceuticals
Annabelle Rodriguez: Dean of Career Education & Workforce Development
Antonio Rivas: Retired Educator and Former Watsonville Mayor
Ashley Bridges: Executive Director, Loaves and Fishes
Bob Prikazsky: Owner, El Vaquero Winery
Bobbi Jo Palmer: Advertising Director for Growing Up in Santa Cruz Magazine
Brent Henderson: Supply Demand Planner, Apple Computer
Brian Lockwood: General Manager, Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency
Brittany Newton: President of The Nature Lodge.
Dan Carrillo: Owner, Pajaro Valley Printing
Dana Sales: Real Estate Broker
Debashis Roy Chowdhury: Software Engineer
Donna Odryna: CEO/Executive Director, Santa Cruz Monterey Medical Association
Doug Feinsod: Owner, Santa Cruz Vintage Cycles
Gloria Garing: Retired Administrator, Cabrillo College
Irma Freeman: AVP Portfolio Manager, Santa Cruz County Bank
Jeannie Kegebein: Community Leader
Loren Morse: Realtor, eXp Realty
Martha Denny E.A.: President and CEO of a2i Accounting + Consulting Services.
Martin Guerrero: CEO, Mas Mac McDonald’s
Mike Johnson: Director for Pajaro Valley Shelter Services
Mireya Alanis: County of Santa Cruz, Dept Admin Analyst
Nayeli Mercado: Corps Officer, Salvation Army
Patsy Gasca: Disaster Program Manager, American Red Cross
Paul Tashiro: Restaurant Owner and Spirit Medium
Paz Padilla: Director of Program Impact, Community Action Board
Rose Wood: Owner, Rose Wood Realty
Ruben Munoz: Manager, Watsonville Branch, Bay Federal Credit Union
Sandy Petznick: Retired, Human Resources, Salud Para La Gente
Shaz Roth: CEO, Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture
Steve Bennett: Director of Operations & Advertising, Santa Cruz Sentinel
Sylvia Hernandez: Retired
Tina Chavez: Corporate and Community Engagement Manager, Second Harvest Food Bank
Trina Coffman-Gomez: Owner, Integrity Lending
Yesenia Medina: Director of Administrative Services, Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission
Zeke Fraser: Community Leader