According to the Nonprofit Times, Frances Townsend is being considered to head the American Red Cross. The former CEO, Mark Everson, was dismissed over a personal relationship with a subordinate, the ARC reported this week.

But, Townsend, who recently resigned as President Bush’s homeland security adviser, could be an even worse choice for the position. Townsend’s focus has been on homeland security - intelligence and law enforcement - rather than ARC’s specialty, disaster relief. Her ability to manage a large charity staffed with volunteers is questionable. Her security background potentially could make some ARC clients might be reluctant to accept emergency aid from the organization. 

Townsend’s recommendations for implementing “lessons learned” from the Katrina response are still waiting to be implemented. The National Response Framework, tardy and inept, demonstrates that Townsend failed to exert a positive influence on federal emergency management.

If appointed to the position, Townsend would answer to Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, who is a member of the ARC’s board. Notably, Townsend and Chetoff formulated policies that resulted the horribly bungled, bureaucratic response to Hurricane Katrina. This is not the team one would expect to lead the Red Cross out of a similar mess. The ARC board cannot rid itself of Mr. Chertoff, who was appointed by President Bush. But, it can and should avoid hiring Ms. Townsend.