Local Red Cross Director Appointed

From the Islands Chapter, American Red Cross

Mary Frances Close has been named Executive Director of The Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross. Ms. Close began work on September 10 for The Islands Chapter, which serves Whidbey, Fidalgo and the San Juan Islands.

Mrs. Close has worked in military settings since 1996, most recently as the Family Readiness Officer at Quantico Marine Corps Base, VA. She also has a teaching and communications background, including work at The White House in the Office of Cabinet Affairs in 1986-87. She recently returned to the Northwest with her family when her husband was transferred to NAS Whidbey. They now live in Anacortes with their three children.

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.

“We are delighted to have Mary Frances’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 hope the community will welcome her as she settles into her new job.”

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

In 2011, The Islands Chapter assisted 28 families affected by home fires and other emergencies, and provided emergency communications and other assistance for over 800 military families through Red Cross’s Service to Armed Forces Programs. Both services are provided predominantly by volunteers.

“I know the Red Cross is an important part of these island communities,” says Mary Frances Close. “And I look forward to meeting the people, businesses and agencies that help keep our communities resilient. Island residents need to be especially well-prepared for emergencies.”

Mrs. Close would like the communities to know that several American Red Cross apps are being released for iPhone and Android smartphone users in connection with emergency preparedness month. The free apps allow people to have information right in their hands on how to plan for and what to do in emergencies. They can be downloaded from iTunes or Google app stores as they are released.
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.