Stamford, Conn. – July 17, 2025 – Americares, the health-focused relief and development organization, is pleased to announce the election of Francine Gingras to its Board of Directors. Gingras, who will serve a three-year term, brings to the board deep experience leading global communications in the medical, beauty and consumer products industries, along with a commitment to service, philanthropy and Americares mission of helping people and communities around the world access health in times of disaster and every day.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Francine Gingras to our Board of Directors,” said Americares President and CEO Christine Squires. “She brings decades of experience managing global communications for some of the world’s most respected brands, and her expertise will be instrumental as we continue to build our brand, reach new audiences and deepen engagement within the communities we support.”
The Americares Board of Directors oversees all aspects of the organization’s life-changing health programs, including its disaster response efforts and support for 4,000 under-resourced health centers around the world.
Gingras began her career as a registered nurse before transitioning to corporate roles at Bristol Myers Squibb, where she rose from pharmaceutical sales to senior leadership in public affairs and global communications across multiple divisions. Following the sale of Clairol to Procter & Gamble, she was appointed to lead global external communications for P&G’s beauty division.
Gingras has held leadership roles in key industry associations, including serving as chair of the Public Affairs Committee for the Personal Care Products Council, the leading national trade association for cosmetics and personal care companies. She was also an active member of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association and the Medical Device Manufacturers Association. After retiring from P&G, Gingras spent five years as a consultant advising companies on brand strategy, communications and crisis management.
“I am deeply honored to join the board of Americares and to support its vital mission,” said Gingras. “I am inspired by the organization’s unwavering commitment to helping people through the unimaginable challenges of disasters both here and abroad, as well as providing essential health support to those in need every day. I look forward to working alongside this dedicated team to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities around the world.”
Gingras attended Brock University and Carleton University in Canada, completing programs in marketing and public affairs. She earned her nursing degree from Niagara College. She currently serves as vice chair of the Friends of the Greenwich Library in Connecticut. She lives in Greenwich, Conn.
A leader in the humanitarian sector, Americares is No. 8 on Forbes list of Top 100 Charities and has a 4-star rating—the highest possible— from Charity Navigator—America’s largest independent charity evaluator. Americares helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; increase accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability of medicine and medical supplies; improve and expand clinical services; and prevent disease and promote good health. Since it was established in 1979, Americares has provided over $23 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States.
