Stacy Rice, emergency services director and interim executive director for the Mount Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross, has been named executive director of the chapter.

Former executive Maureen Enegren retired in August.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Stacy for the last three years and have the utmost respect and admiration for her skills, abilities and judgment,” Enegren said, in a press release. “Her ability to unite people around a project or a common cause is truly inspiring. The chapter is in excellent hands.”

Rice has served as emergency services director for the chapter for the past three years overseeing the disaster services, service to the armed forces and international services departments.

As emergency services director, Rice worked with more 250 volunteers to meet the emergency needs of Whatcom County and the Skagit Valley. Her responsibilities included responding to all local disasters, providing emergency services to all local military members, veterans and their families, as well as responding to national and international incidents.

Prior to working with the Red Cross, Rice worked as a minister and a meditation teacher for more than 10 years and did development work in Guatemala with a focus on public health education, including founding and opening a popular medical clinic to serve impoverished communities.

“Stacy is a tremendous asset to the chapter and a strong leader in our community,” said Jayne Heininger, Red Cross Regional COO. “Her excellent organizational skills and can-do spirit will serve her well in this new role. The chapter is very fortunate to have such a qualified individual assume the position of executive director. We gratefully appreciate her leadership.”