Jennifer Lotito Joins Direct Relief as Chief External Affairs Officer
Joins executive leadership team at one of the world’s largest humanitarian organization
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., October 27, 2025 /3BL/ - Direct Relief today announced that Jennifer Lotito has joined its executive leadership team as Chief External Affairs Officer, overseeing global communications, fundraising, partnerships, brand and creative. The move bolsters Direct Relief’s plans to grow, innovate and deliver more impact where it is needed most, building on the $2 billion in medical aid distributed annually across 90 countries and all 50 U.S states.
Amy Weaver, Chief Executive Officer of Direct Relief, said; “I couldn’t be more thrilled for Jennifer to join the team at Direct Relief. She is a dynamic, visionary leader with unrivalled experience mobilizing people, partners and organizations to drive change. Her unique ability to meld strategy and creativity with rapid execution will be a huge boost to our organization as we seek to meet the rising need for medical aid amid growing conflict, climate impacts, and public health emergencies.”
This appointment marks the first major leadership addition by Amy Weaver since assuming the role of President and Chief Executive Officer earlier this year. Previously, Lotito served as President and Chief Operating Officer at (RED), the organization founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver to fight AIDS and the injustices that enable pandemics to thrive.
Prior to becoming (RED) President and COO in 2020, Jennifer led the organization’s partnerships team for 11 years, playing a pivotal role in fostering innovative partnerships with companies including Apple, Bank of America, FIAT, Jeep, RAM and Salesforce, as well as Snapdragon and Manchester United, among others.
She went on to lead the organization’s growth in developing a portfolio of life science partners including Roche, Merck and ViiV, while heralding new collaborations in the fashion space, ranging from Louis Vuitton to La DoubleJ. Today, (RED) and its partners have delivered more than $800M to the Global Fund. Jennifer has traveled extensively in Africa, leading delegations that have included CEOs, media and celebrities.
Speaking on her appointment, Lotito said; “It’s hugely exciting to be joining an organization as well respected and impactful as Direct Relief. I’ve known Amy for many years, and the opportunity to work together on such an exciting, game-changing endeavor to impact millions of people is thrilling. After nearly two wonderful decades with (RED), it’s the perfect time to take on new challenges and help Direct Relief expand its reach."
Before joining (RED), Lotito was a Senior Partner at Ogilvy Worldwide, leading international accounts for IBM and American Express. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, she began her career in advertising in Boston.
Lotito is also Co-Founder and President of the JML Hope Foundation, which focuses on mentorship for emerging leaders. She serves on the Goals House Advisory Board, the National and Tri-State Advisory Boards of Defy Ventures, and the Board of Oido, and is a Forbes.com contributor on leadership, global health, and corporate responsibility.
Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, Direct Relief provides large-scale medical assistance to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty, disaster, and conflict. Recognized by Forbes as one of the Top Five Largest Charities in America, honored with the 2025 Seoul Peace Prize, and recipient of 15 consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator, Direct Relief is known for its logistics-driven humanitarian operations and longstanding commitment to transparency and trust.
