The American Red Cross of Central and Southwest Oklahoma is pleased to announce its exceptional volunteer award winners for 2026.

The Red Cross stands on a foundation of compassion, resilience and hope, and none of that is possible without extraordinary volunteers.
 

Board of Directors Exceptional Volunteer: Beth Harrison

Beth has been on the chapter’s board of directors since 2023, and she exemplifies the very best of servant leadership, community engagement and commitment to the Red Cross mission. Through her dedication, strategic insight and extensive community relationships, she has significantly strengthened the visibility, reputation and community connectivity of the Red Cross of Central and Southwest Oklahoma.

Beth goes beyond standard board expectations. She leverages her media and community connections to elevate awareness of Red Cross services and programs, helping position the Red Cross as a trusted and visible partner throughout our region.

One of Beth’s greatest strengths is her ability to build meaningful relationships. Whether introducing new partners, opening doors to collaboration or nurturing long-standing connections, she ensures the Red Cross has a strong and lasting presence in the communities we serve.

Her calm demeanor, integrity and grace make her an invaluable advisor. She leads not for recognition, but because she believes deeply in the humanitarian values of the Red Cross.
 

Disaster Services Exceptional Volunteer: Bill Lloyd

Over the last three years, Bill has recorded more than 2,600 volunteer hours, often working well into the evening and supporting multiple activities, from virtual out‑of‑state deployments to in‑state casework, presentations and meetings. In March, he worked 10‑hour days supporting disaster relief operations in Hawaii.

Bill has repeatedly sacrificed every Saturday for an entire month to teach disaster classes, not only for the Central and Southwest Oklahoma chapter, but for others as well.

He is one of only five leading members of the National Damage Assessment Support Team and also serves on the Quality Assurance Team. He helps run the monthly Damage Assessment Managers Meeting and is known for his accuracy, loyalty and unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of Red Cross operations.
 

Financial Development Exceptional Volunteer: Shawn Adams

Since joining the chapter board in 2023, Shawn has made a remarkable impact on the mission of the Red Cross through both his personal leadership and his ability to inspire meaningful philanthropic support. Over the past two years, Shawn has influenced more than $235,000 in support of the Red Cross mission, helping to ensure that families and communities across Oklahoma receive critical assistance during disasters.

As Vice President of Human Resources at American Fidelity, Shawn understands the importance of people, service and community investment. He uses his leadership and professional relationships to strengthen support for the Red Cross and expand awareness of our humanitarian mission.
 

Operations Department Exceptional Volunteer: James Standfill

James blends meticulous attention to detail with a proactive approach to teamwork, ensuring that everything — and everyone — is prepared when it matters most.

James is the cornerstone of the chapter’s emergency readiness activities. He ensures our Emergency Response Vehicles are always in peak condition, tackling maintenance, repairs and other operational needs. When disaster strikes anywhere in the country, our ERVs are ready to roll.
 

Service to the Armed Forces Exceptional Volunteer: Alora Kramer

Alora is a force of nature within the Fort Sill community. She sparks improvement and inspires enthusiasm wherever she goes; builds structure and systems where none existed; and provides stability, reliability and calm in moments of uncertainty

Alora demonstrates exceptional volunteer service in every sense of the word. She is highly dependable, mission‑focused and committed to ensuring service members and their families receive clear, accurate guidance during times of crisis. Her work is more than administrative — it is deeply human. She understands that behind every message, every request and every moment of need is a family seeking reassurance and support.

Through her reliability, leadership, and dedication, Alora embodies the highest standards of volunteerism. She is a steady hand, a trusted guide and a beacon of compassion for the Fort Sill community.
 

Volunteer Services Exceptional Volunteer: David Nong

David’s peers describe him with words that paint a clear picture of who he is: dedicated, passionate, professional, supportive, kind, consistent, dependable, encouraging, graceful, understanding.

For at least four years, David has faithfully delivered volunteer anniversary emails and annual survey reminders. While that may sound simple on the surface, the impact is profound. His consistency has helped the Kansas and Oklahoma Region achieve steady growth in volunteer engagement, feedback and program improvement. He has a genuine desire to help the mission move forward.

His precision, reliability and follow‑through are deeply appreciated. David doesn’t seek recognition. He simply shows up — consistently, humbly and wholeheartedly — and in doing so, he strengthens the foundation of our volunteer community.
 

Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership: Randy Vance

Randy is meticulous, ensuring every detail is accounted for; a team builder, lifting others up and creating a culture of collaboration; and dependable, the person you can always count on, no matter the challenge

Randy is the logistical linchpin of our regional operations. Randy has a hand in every supply request, every shipment, every order for essential items placed across two states. And he treats each one with care, urgency and precision.

When shipments go missing or face delays, Randy doesn’t shrug or wait. He tracks them down. He follows up. He ensures that no department, no volunteer and no community partner is left without the tools they need to serve.

But Randy’s impact goes far beyond logistics. He has built and mentored his own volunteer logistics team, a rare contribution that strengthens our entire region. He has created a system that is efficient, resilient and will continue to support our mission long into the future.

Randy’s leadership is quiet but powerful. His work ensures that when disaster strikes, the Red Cross is ready.

Inspired by these volunteers? Put on a red vest and join us. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find out how you can support your community.

Awards were announced at the chapter annual meeting on June 5 in Stillwater. See more event photos on our Flickr page.

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.

Photo caption: Red Cross of Central and Southwest Board of Directors Vice Chair Jon Harrison (left), volunteer Randy Vance and Executive Director Loida Haffener Salmond stand for a photo. Vance received the chapter’s 2026 Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership.