Chris Kuechenmeister is vice president of communications for the American Red Cross, based in Washington, D.C.

Kuechenmeister joined the Red Cross after 16 years at PepsiCo, most recently as SVP of communications. He was responsible for leading brand communications, reputation management and employee engagement for the company’s North America beverage business, and internal and external communications across customers, employees, the media and other key stakeholders.

Before serving in this role, Kuechenmeister held multiple positions within PepsiCo, including senior vice president of North America communications where he led strategic efforts to promote the company’s food, beverage and nutrition portfolios, and vice president of communications for Frito-Lay North America in Plano, TX where he oversaw communications for PepsiCo’s collection of snack brands. 

With more than 25 years of experience, Kuechenmeister has served in various leadership roles on both the corporate and agency sides and has a track record of driving innovative communications campaigns across a variety of brands and companies, including roles with Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Citizen Relations and Michelin North America. He currently serves as senior counsel to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) board of directors, the Michigan State University College of Communication Arts & Sciences Alumni Board and is a member of the advisory committee to the Diversity Action Alliance - a coalition of top communications and public relations leaders dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion in the communications industry.  

Kuechenmeister holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and is a native of the Detroit area.