New Red Cross Executive Director

Mike Stamper is new Executive Director of The Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross

Mike Stamper has been named Executive Director of The Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross as of September 30, 2013.

The Islands Chapter serves Whidbey, Fidalgo and the San Juan Islands and a small section of La Conner. The Chapter’s main office is in Anacortes at 2900 T Avenue (or PO Box 249) with a satellite facility on the Seaplane Base in Oak Harbor.

Mr. Stamper has been the Fire Chief of Guemes Island since 2008 and has been a fire fighter/EMT in Skagit County since 1993. He replaces the previous chapter director who transferred out of state this summer. Stamper will continue in his role as the Guemes Fire Chief.

“I am very pleased to serve the community in this new capacity with the American Red Cross,” said Stamper. “I have devoted myself to improving emergency response of the citizens of the western part of Skagit County for nearly 20 years. I hope to continue this work for many years to come.”

Mr. Stamper served Anacortes School District as a technology coordinator at Anacortes High School for 8 years. He was also the athletic trainer for the school, focusing on emergent care and concussion reduction/ remediation. He has been a writer/editor for 37 years and has held administrative positions at a museum, a nature center and several small non-profit corporations.

“We are delighted to have someone of Mike’s wide experience working with us on Red Cross issues of community preparedness and response, volunteer recruitment, and Service to the Armed Forces,” said Barbara Atterberry, board chair of The Islands Chapter. “I know his talents will greatly benefit the community and our many Red Cross volunteers.”

Chuck Morrison, regional executive director for the Red Cross, added: “Mike is well positioned to help the local Red Cross focus on community resilience in the face of the disasters we’re most likely to encounter in this area with unique vulnerabilities.”

In 2012, The Islands Chapter assisted 29 families affected by home fires and other emergencies, and provided emergency communications and other assistance for over 400 military families through Red Cross’s Service to Armed Forces Programs. Both services are provided predominantly by volunteers.

“The Red Cross is a crucial player in emergency response and preparedness in our diverse group of island communities,” says Mike Stamper, “and I look forward to meeting the people, businesses and agencies that help keep our communities resilient. I am excited to have the opportunity to bring together my colleagues in the fire service and Red Cross communities in a way that improves emergency response for every person in the Islands Chapter.”

The work of Islands Chapter, like all other Red Cross operations, is supported almost exclusively by donations from the American public. A gift of any size supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross, whether it is responding to a disaster, teaching skills that can save a life, or assisting our military members and their families.

To volunteer, get training, or make a donation to the Islands Chapter, visit www.redcross.org and follow the prompts.

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