The American Red Cross announced plans Monday for major changes to its organizational structure that will allow the 125-year-old organization to more effectively govern itself in a post-Katrina, post-Sept. 11 world.

The national nonprofit’s board unanimously approved multiple recommendations to its governance structure — the first changes in 60 years. Recommendations include explicitly delegating responsibilities for day-to-day operations to full-time, professional staff, cutting the board down from 50 to between 12 and 20 members and reducing the influence of presidentially appointed overseers.