American Red Cross leader fired

The American Red Cross ousted its president, Mark W. Everson, after learning that he had engaged in a “personal relationship” with a subordinate employee.

Everson, the former commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, took the Red Cross job in May as the charity sought to restructure itself after sharp criticism of its response to Hurricane Katrina.

In a statement, the Red Cross said in New York that it had asked for and received Everson’s resignation, effective immediately, after learning of the relationship. It did not identify the other employee.

The Red Cross board of governors appointed Mary S. Elcano, the charity’s general counsel, as interim president.