Red Cross loses director; to start search
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on December 21, 2012 1:47 PM
The Wayne County chapter of the American Red Cross has recently lost its director and will begin looking for a new one after the first of the year.
Chuck Waller's last day with the Red Cross was Dec. 14.
"Leaving the Red Cross was totally Chuck's choice, and it wasn't expected," said Bill Brent, regional chief executive for the Eastern North Carolina Region of the Red Cross. "He had another opportunity waiting for him, and he hasn't disclosed the details with us yet."
But Waller has promised his continued involvement and support for the Red Cross, Brent said.
As chapter director, Waller was in charge of Red Cross activities in Wayne, Lenoir and Greene counties. Brent said depending on where the Red Cross chapter is located and depending on population and density of the area, its director can be in charge of one, two, three or even six communities.
Brent said the search for a new director will begin in January. The Red Cross human relations division will handle all resumes and screenings.
"Then it's up to me and the local community volunteership to do interviews and select the best candidate," he said.
Tammy Forrester, former volunteer coordinator for the Eastern North Carolina Region of the Red Cross, took over as interim director Dec. 17. She has worn several other hats at the Wayne County chapter, including financial director, health and safety director for the Eastern North Carolina Region and blood coordinator.
Robert Mendoza, with the Wayne County chapter's health and safety program, has also been let go.
"The health and safety program is completely managed through national headquarters," Brent said. "Positions were eliminated through them.
"Obviously we constantly look at what is the most efficient use of donor dollars and health and safety has been going through steps of evaluating to become more efficient."
Brent said he's not anticipating any other significant changes.