Bell resigns from Red Cross post to take Asheville job
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on May 6, 2004 1:59 PM
A search is under way for a new director for the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Cindy Bell has given her resignation and will leave May 21 to take a job with Medical Action Industries near Asheville.
Chuck Waller has stepped down as board chairman and will be the interim director.
Mrs. Bell, 51, has been director of the county Red Cross chapter for a little over three years. She had worked in industry for 20 years before coming to the Red Cross.
She was employed with Acme United Corp., which sold its medical division in 1999 to Medical Action Industries. Mrs. Bell moved with the division.
When her daughter became very ill, she quit work to care for her. Wayne Memorial Hospital offered her a job as a chemistry supervisor, and she worked there a few months before applying for the director's position at the Red Cross. She has a degree in medical technology.
Shortly after becoming the Red Cross director, Mrs. Bell was offered a job to go back to Medical Action Industries, which she turned down.
"About eight weeks ago, they called again and offered me a job," said Mrs. Bell. "We were right in the middle of our Heroes Campaign here at the Red Cross, and I couldn't deal with it at that time.
"After eight weeks, I just decided it was the best thing for me and my family at this time. I prayed about it. I cried about it."
She and her husband, Ricky, have purchased a home in Asheville. They will also keep their home in Mount Olive.
"I will always be part of Red Cross," she said. "I truly believe in its mission, and I strongly believe in what we've done in Wayne County and what the volunteers and the board have done."
Mrs. Bell says she plans on coming back to Wayne County after she retires and volunteering for the Red Cross.
Waller said Mrs. Bell has been "wonderful for the Red Cross and this community. I'd do anything I could to get her stay."
The search process for a new director will take at least two or three months, said Waller.