Mike Stamper has been named executive director of The Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross.

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,” Stamper said. “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.”

Stamper served Anacortes School District as a technology coordinator at Anacortes High School for eight 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.

The Islands Chapter serves Whidbey, Fidalgo and the San Juan Islands and a small section of La Conner.

“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.”

In 2012, 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 work of Islands Chapter is supported almost exclusively by donations from the American public. To volunteer, get training, or make a donation to the Islands Chapter, visit www.redcross.org