Phyllis Harris, Walmart Inc.’s senior vice president and head of legal operations, is leaving the company at the end of February to become general counsel and chief compliance officer of the American Red Cross.

Harris took time from writing up annual evaluations Wednesday to talk with Corporate Counsel about her decision. “It was a combination of personal and professional reasons,” she said. “Our children—two daughters and a son—are all grown and living on the East Coast. Then this incredible opportunity presented itself to be general counsel of the most iconic nonprofit organization there is.”