Bobbi Petru is a woman that has had two common threads throughout her life. One is her involvement in The American Red Cross Organization that started at the age of sixteen, and the other is a passion for health and wellness particularly in the area of aquatics. For Petru, these two threads have strung together a career and life of selfless service and the Executive Director position and the La Porte and Porter County Red Cross.
Born in Connecticut, Petru eventually moved to Saginaw, Michigan where she attended elementary, middle, and high school. She then did her undergraduate studies in Education with a focus in Physical Education in Aquatics and Music at Western Michigan in Kalamazoo and did her graduate work at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in Physiology and Exercise.
In 2001, Petru and her husband made the move to the area and settled in the picturesque Beverly Shores. It was a nice change from her current home in Oak Park, Illinois. Petru admires the area’s nature-the beach, the woods, and the lake.
Petru knew she wanted to be involved in activity and wellness since a young age.
“At age sixteen I took my life guarding class. If you were a lifeguard you didn’t have to take P.E. you could help out the teacher. When I was eighteen, I started teaching classes about water safety, and I have kept it up ever since. I try to teach at least a couple of classes every year. I have always been involved with the Red Cross teaching something,” Petru explained.
Her career began with the La Porte YMCA as an aquatics instructor, and she moved her way up the ranks to program director, operations director, and eventually executive director. Ten years ago, Petru took a position at the very organization that developed her interest in wellness and aquatics-The Red Cross. Petru is currently the Executive Director of the La Porte County Red Cross, and two years ago became the Executive Director of the Porter County Red Cross as well.
“My job role has changed over the ten years I have been with The Red Cross. Initially, it was total operation of the center including the finances and everything. More of my time is spent now in community relations and fundraising,” Petru said.
Petru counts her favorite part of the job is working with people and networking. She tries anywhere she can to get people together to make improvements to the organization. Many people that know Petru, say she is an incredibly selfless person that is always willing to help. For instance, every year at the United Way Dodge Ball Tournament, Petru suits up in the blood drop mascot costume all day to publicize the importance of giving blood.
“My future goal for the Red Cross is to keep the name in front of the public so individuals know what we do. We are trying to find leadership to put on the board to help us organize our fundraising,” Petru expressed.
Outside of her work, Petru is a woman of many passions. One is music-particularly classical music. One of her favorite memories are her summers spent at Interlochen Center of The Arts, where she spent four summers as a camper and another four centers as a water front director.
“It gave me a chance to use my water qualifications and to enjoy the music while I was there,” Petru commented.
Beyond her heavy involvement in The Red Cross, Petru finds time to remain active in several local organizations. She is an ambassador for the La Porte Chamber, a member of the advisory board for Brown Mackie College, a member of the advisory committee for the Nursing program and Purdue North Central, involved in St. John’s United Church of Christ, and further occupied with Beverly Shores activities.
Ever true to her nature, Petru enjoys spending her down time in the outdoors.
“I enjoy being outside,” Petru said. “I love being on the water and walking. I have a kayak and I thoroughly enjoy that.”
The American Red Cross focuses on providing disaster relief, supporting military families, promoting health and safety services, donating lifesaving blood, and providing international humanitarian services. For information on how to help and upcoming events visit the local Red Cross website.