Leaving the bench to answer the call from the Red Cross

A Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge is trading in her robe, for a wardrobe heavy on the color red.  The Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross announced its new CEO: Judge Renée Cardwell Hughes.

Hughes has gained a reputation as a firm presence on the bench: advising defendants of their rights and occasionally chiding lawyers.  She said her strong personality will translate into her work with the Red Cross,”I have a strong personality because I care and when you care you’re passionate about something and everyone here has a strong personality,” said Hughes.  “I will not be denied, I will not have the Red Cross be denied.  The challenge that I think we face is everyone depends on the Red Cross to be there, when that fire alarm sounds you just assume the Red Cross is gonna show up.”Hughes was appointed by Governor Tom Ridge in 1995 to the Court of Common Pleas and has been subsequently elected twice.  She built and ran her own law firm for five years, and worked for other law firms, as well as for Independence Blue Cross.  She has served on the boards of several non-profits.Judge Hughes officially takes over as CEO on May 16.