Media Contact: Pooja Klebig
(669) 209-5266 | nccrpublicaffairs@redcross.org

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. August 11, 2026 — The American Red Cross Kern Chapter is pleased to announce the election of their new member to its Board of Directors. Bringing extensive experience in healthcare, Dan Diaz, a Registered Nurse at Kern County Health Systems, will help guide the chapter's mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies.

The following officers will lead the Kern Chapter Board of Directors during the 2026–2027 fiscal year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027):

• Chair: Cindy Huge – Retired Radio Personality, International Medical Journalist and Certified Respiratory Therapist
• Vice Chair: Javier Gonzalez – Health and Safety Environment Supervisor, PCL Construction
• Secretary: Noor Qwfan – Senior Manager, CSR Wonderful Company

"The strength of the Red Cross comes from leaders and volunteers who are committed to making a difference," says Hector Vazquez, CEO of the American Red Cross Kern County Chapter. "We are grateful to our Chapter Board members for their service and look forward to working together to support our communities and advance our humanitarian mission."

During the past fiscal year, 627 Red Cross volunteers and board members in the Kern Chapter contributed 24,147 hours to the mission and responded to 174 local disasters, providing care, comfort and hope to people affected by home fires and other emergencies. The chapter also delivered first aid, CPR, AED, water safety and caregiving training to more than 8,326 residents and opened 464 cases to support members of the military, veterans and their families.

About American Red Cross Kern Chapter
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, visit our website at redcross.org/kernchapter or call us at (661) 324-6427. You may also find us on Facebook.