David Hinshaw the Board Chair for The American Red Cross of Alaska will be stepping down this May. This transition will culminate an amazing 12 years of service to the chapter that began in 2014 with Disaster Action Team responses to house fires and Public Affairs volunteer roles.

Hinshaw’s initial engagement with the Red Cross came with his move to Alaska and the realization that for the first time he lived in an area with a chapter. He had always wanted to work with the organization and was compelled by its mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

That same mission is what has kept Hinshaw involved. When invited to join the board in 2018 Hinshaw readily accepted. Since 2024 has served as the board chair. In this role, Hinshaw has major responsibilities coordinating with Red Cross headquarters, aligning efforts with external organizations, hiring, fundraising, governing the board, and ensuring the board’s work and committees stay on track.

He feels that this work is a direct extension of his day job as a pilot and manager with UPS, which involves a lot of problem solving.

“Sometimes you just need one person who can run interference behind the scenes and get things done. There's always a way, and it's not always direct and easy. That's what I do; I build consensus and I motivate people,” says Hinshaw.

In 2024, he was able to bring his work and volunteer commitments together. UPS airline leadership came to Alaska and Hinshaw arranged a smoke alarm install event with the chapter. He says his coworkers, “didn't realize how involved (he) was with the community and with the Red Cross. They also didn't realize how rewarding a smoke alarm install could be.”

Hinshaw’s commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. “Dave is always willing to step up and lend a hand,” says executive director Julie Swisher. ‘Whether it is jumping in to organize a smoke alarm installation event, interacting with a donor, or emceeing our annual holiday party, Dave has been such an amazing leader on the Red Cross of Alaska Board”

Hinshaw plans to continue volunteering the Red Cross in some capacity. He says, “we get out and help people and help communities. That's what keeps me involved.”

He encourages others to support the community by becoming a volunteer. As his experience demonstrates, there are few limits to the variety of opportunities and potential for growth. To find volunteer opportunities, click here to check out our immediate needs.