Mike Stamper, newly appointed executive director of Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross.

image credit: Contributed photo

Guemes Island Fire Chief Mike Stamper has been named executive director of the Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross.

His tenure at the top post local Red Cross chapter began Sept. 30.

Chief of Guemes Island fire department since 2008, Stamper has been a firefighter and emergency medical technician in Skagit County for more than two decades. A former technology coordinator for Anacortes High School, he was also the school's athletic trainer and has been a writer and editor for 37 years, and has had professional administrative position with several small non-profits, a nature center and museum as well.

The Red Cross is a crucial player in emergency response and preparedness in our diverse group of island communities, Stamper said in a press release, 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 Islands Chapter serves Whidbey, Fidalgo and the San Juan islands, and a small section of La Conner. The chapters main office is in Anacortes, 2900 T Avenue, with a satellite facility on the Seaplane Base in Oak Harbor.

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 Crosss Service to Armed Forces Programs. Both services are provided predominantly by volunteers.

We are delighted to have someone of Mikes 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, chairwoman of The Islands Chapter board of directors. I know his talents will greatly benefit the community and our many Red Cross volunteers.

For more about the American Red Cross Islands Chapter, or to volunteer, get training or make a donation, visit, http://www.redcross.org.

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Stamper named director of Red Cross Islands Chapter