Media Contact: Aileen Blomdal
(669) 209-5266 | NCCRPublicAffairs@redcross.org

SAN FRANCISCO, July 09, 2026 — The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter honored local residents and community partners at two 2026 Chapter Awards and Volunteer Recognition Events, held at Eve’s Waterfront in Oakland for East Bay residents and at the VISA Global Headquarters in San Francisco for West Bay residents.

Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Leadership
Named after the founder of the Red Cross, the award recognizes a volunteer for their years of service in various leadership positions. The following volunteers were awarded with this year’s highest honor:

• Bill Godwin from Berkeley
• Suzanne Garrett from Walnut Creek
• Ned Burgess from San Francisco

Bill Godwin is an extraordinary volunteer whose answer is always, “How can I help?” For eight years, he has been a cornerstone of Alameda County’s Disaster and Blood Services departments. Most notably, he has been instrumental in building and sustaining the local disaster response team, serving as a supervisor, mentor and the primary interviewer responsible for screening and onboarding new members. Week after week, Bill takes multiple shifts and actively promotes disaster response activities, helping grow and strengthen the team. His leadership and dedication continue to leave a lasting impact on Alameda’s disaster response capability.

Suzanne Garrett's dedication, kindness and commitment to the Red Cross mission shine through in everything she does. She is active at the county, regional and national levels in various roles including serving as a Sound the Alarm event coordinator, Volunteer Services Awards Selection Committee Chair, Contra Costa Recovery Team Member and Tiffany Circle member. Suzanne has made invaluable contributions to nearly every Disaster Services activity/program as well as operations in Contra Costa. Suzanne is very much like a North Star, always steering our team in the right direction and centering on what is best for our clients and the mission of the Red Cross.

Ned Burgess has volunteered with Disaster Health Services (DHS) for 35 years. As the backbone of DHS in San Francisco, he does all the recruiting and scheduling, ensuring volunteers are aligned with opportunities at local or national disaster responses and is always available when any question arises. He is a treasure to San Francisco County.

Other Chapter & Regional Awards
In addition, the following awards were given to local Red Crossers and partners:

• Biomedical Services – Donor Ambassador Award: Alan Soneda (El Cerrito), Harry Fujita (Pittsburg), Maria Potente (Foster City).
• Biomedical Services – Transportation Specialist Award: Edoardo Zoni (Berkeley), Dan Chernikoff (Palo Alto).
• Community Engagement Award: Kathryn Mecrow (Oakland), Lisa Platz (San Francisco), Michael Theresa McGrath (Foster City).
• Department Support Services Award: Ken Lem (Oakland), Tim Davenport (San Pablo), Dana Rae Capizano (San Francisco).
• Disaster Cycle Services Award for Extraordinary Commitment and Dedication: Laurie Kozisek (Alameda), Regina Osicka (Walnut Creek), Cindy Bertsch (Belmont), Ana Suarez (Sebastopol).
• Disaster Cycle Services – Extraordinary Leadership: Matt Fryer (Oakland), Kathy Sieu (Contra Costa County and Big Island), Jim Camarillo (Menlo Park).
• Good Neighbor & Partnership Award: Fire Marshal Eric Govan (Fremont), Johny Donuts (Lafayette), Delta Veterans Group (Antioch), City of East Palo Alto, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, The Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Foundation of San Francisco.
• International Humanitarian Services Award: Romtin Golabi (Pleasanton).
• New Volunteer Award a.k.a. “Rookie of the Year”: Jon Goldmark (Alameda), Dana VonAustin (Concord), Michael Godfrey (San Bruno), Kim Lau (Burlingame), Nicole Martindale (San Francisco).
• Regional Biomedical Excellence in Leadership Award: Miriam Ziadi (Fremont).
• Regional Excellence in Disaster Services Award: Chris Maginn (Pleasant Hill).
• Services to the Armed Forces Award: Meredith McGarvey (San Francisco).
• Teamwork and Collaboration Award: Blake Severson, Christine Patton & Contra Costa Blood Center (Pleasant Hill), Alameda County Shelter Trailer Team (Alameda County), Disaster Mental Health Team (San Mateo County).
• Volunteer of the Year Award: John Eckhouse (Oakland), Gale Carli (San Mateo), Allen Au (San Francisco).
• Youth Services Award: Kyle Nieto (Dublin).

“We’re celebrating something truly incredible; we’re celebrating the people who show up and give their time, energy and compassion,” said Justin Mueller, CEO of the Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “Our volunteers spend countless hours preparing for moments we all hope never happen. And when those moments do arrive, we see more than their skills, but their character as well.”

Pictures
The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter held two separate events on either side of the bay. Photos from each event can be found below:

• View West Bay photos here.
• View East Bay photos here.

Become a Red Cross Volunteer
Community members can make a difference in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco and San Mateo Counties by becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Volunteers are continually trained to meet the needs of those affected by disasters – providing food, shelter, and comfort to families; and they help local residents prepare for and recover from emergencies of all kinds. Red Cross volunteers also aid military members, veterans and their families; support the collection of 40% of the nation’s blood; and provide humanitarian aid across the globe. Those interested in finding the right position for their specific skills and talents can visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.