Xavier Castellanos

• Director, Americas, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Panama

Nearly three decades of experience working in humanitarian emergencies and operations. Has worked at various national and international institutions, and in public, private and non-governmental organizations. 1982, joined the Red Cross as a volunteer in home town. Specializing in communication, with an emphasis on health, and as a television producer, worked with local communities in community education, disaster risk reduction and vulnerability reduction. Joined International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch and worked on communications and public information. Later served on missions working in disaster risk management in numerous countries and at the IFRC secretariat in Geneva. Has also worked in international humanitarian law, volunteerism, strategic planning and training with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Since Sept. 2009, Director, Americas, IFRC, Panama City; responsible for managing the IFRC's humanitarian activities covering 35 countries throughout the continent.