Volunteers, board members and staff of the American Red Cross Northern Oklahoma Chapter came together at their annual meeting to honor the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, energy and hearts to serving others.

The Red Cross embodies compassion, resilience and hope, and no part of the mission would be possible without extraordinary volunteers. Each of them has played a vital role in delivering relief, comfort and support when it was needed most.

Each award honors a different aspect of volunteerism: dedication, leadership, teamwork, innovation and unwavering compassion.

Blood Services Exceptional Volunteer: Stephen Colaw

Stephen’s warm spirit shines through in every interaction. Whether he’s greeting donors with a smile, supporting staff with a helping hand or uplifting fellow volunteers with his positivity, he embodies the heart of compassionate service.

Going above and beyond is second nature to Stephen. He drives over an hour from Bartlesville to Tulsa, ensuring lifesaving blood products reach those who need them most. Even while facing his own challenges, Stephen’s commitment to service never wavers.

Stephen’s encouraging words, thoughtful gestures and lasting connections define his impact. He is more than a volunteer; he is an ambassador of hope. Even during his medical leave, donors continue to ask about him, a true testament to the difference he makes in their lives.

Board of Directors Exceptional Volunteer: Riley Williams

Some leaders lead with words, others lead with actions, but the most remarkable ones, like Riley Williams, lead with both.

Riley’s passion for the Red Cross shines through in everything he does. As Vice-Chair of the board, he constantly seeks new ways to expand our presence in Stillwater, ensuring that our mission reaches those who need it most.

A graduate of Leadership Stillwater, Riley has an exceptional understanding of the community’s needs. His insight has been invaluable in shaping the service delivery plan for Payne County, making a lasting impact on how we serve this region.

Leadership is about vision, action and dedication, qualities Riley embodies every day. His expertise in commercial real estate proved instrumental in guiding the search for our new office space in Stillwater. Not only did he seek out properties for review, but his critical analysis of spaces and prices helped secure the home we now have today.

Riley’s unwavering commitment, thoughtful leadership and deep investment in the Red Cross mission have strengthened our organization in ways we cannot measure.

Disaster Services Department Exceptional Volunteer: Beth Hooper

Beth is the backbone of her community, a true leader always ready to guide and support fellow volunteers. Her willingness to mentor new responders and assist during Disaster Action Team responses exemplifies what it means to be a Red Cross volunteer.

Committed to service in times of crisis, Beth is there. Whether responding to wildland fires, supporting emergency responders through local canteen services, or strengthening relationships with local emergency managers and fire departments, her impact is profound.

Going above and beyond during October’s devastating wildfires, Beth answered the call not once, but twice, assisting in separate counties, all while guiding a first-time volunteer through their very first response. Her experience, leadership, and mentorship embody the true spirit of service.

Beth’s continued dedication through demanding circumstances makes her an invaluable member of the Red Cross family.

Service to Armed Forces Department Exceptional Volunteer of the Year: Regina York

Regina embodies the very spirit of selfless service. Month after month, she shows up at the pharmacy at Vance Air Force Base without fail, ensuring that military personnel and their families receive the care and assistance they need. This isn’t just about dispensing medication. It’s about providing reassurance, efficiency and a warm presence that makes a difference in the lives of so many.

Across our region, Red Cross volunteers like Regina work tirelessly to support military clinics by expanding capacity, reducing wait times, and ensuring that every service member and their family is met with compassion. Regina’s commitment is a testament to the power of volunteerism and the profound impact that one person can have.

Volunteer Services Department Exceptional Volunteer: Melanie Bayles

The strength of the American Red Cross lies in its volunteers. Today, we recognize one such leader who has transformed the volunteer experience through unwavering dedication, insight and innovation.

For over seven years, Melanie has been a trusted leader in volunteer engagement. She provides invaluable guidance, ensuring that volunteer perspectives shape best practices and enhance our mission.

Melanie’s leadership was instrumental in organizing and streamlining the administrative process for Red Cross Clubs in the Kansas and Oklahoma Region. Thanks to her dedication, we now have a structured system that fosters continued growth and connection among Red Cross Clubs.

As the Regional Volunteer Connection Lead, Melanie ensures that we stay informed, engaged and connected to national headquarters. She has trained staff to always ask, “Can a volunteer do this?” — a powerful reminder that volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.

Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership: MaryJac Rauh

For nearly a decade, MaryJac has devoted herself to ensuring that vital Red Cross services are delivered and that every volunteer and client feels supported. She leads with unwavering commitment and a steady hand, ready to step in at any moment to meet the needs of our workforce and community.

MaryJac always puts people first. Whether she’s mentoring new volunteers, guiding teams through transitions, or ensuring that those affected by disasters receive care and comfort, she embodies the compassion that is at the heart of the Red Cross mission.

A true leader is one who lifts others up, and MaryJac has done exactly that. She has shaped the Disaster Workforce Engagement department with strength and vision, ensuring our region remains connected at the national level. From leading training programs to mentoring staff and volunteers, her influence has transformed how we build, support, and empower our teams.

MaryJac does not just lead; she inspires. She champions diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring every volunteer feels seen, heard and valued. Her ability to foster growth, build cohesive teams and cultivate a supportive environment makes her an invaluable force within the Red Cross.

Her leadership is authentic. Her dedication is unwavering. And her passion for service is unmatched. MaryJac Rauh lives the Red Cross mission every day.

2025 American Red Cross Spirit of Volunteer Service Award

This award is designed to honor individuals who truly embody the mission and values of the Red Cross:

1. Dedication to Service The recipient must demonstrate a long-standing commitment to volunteering with the American Red Cross, consistently supporting its mission through active service.
2. Impact on Community The individual should make a measurable difference in their community, whether through disaster response, blood services, preparedness education or other Red Cross initiatives.
3. Compassion & Humanitarian Spirit The honoree should exhibit extraordinary compassion, empathy and kindness, providing comfort and support to those in need.
4. Leadership & Mentorship This award recognizes volunteers who inspire and empower others by leading teams, mentoring new volunteers or serving as an advocate for Red Cross values.
5. Advocacy & Promotion of Volunteerism A true champion of the Red Cross, the awardee actively promotes volunteer engagement, encourages others to join, and raises awareness about the organization’s impact.
    

Honorees

Disaster Cycle Services: Janet Cordell, Karen Daily, Beth Hooper, Peggy Kitchens, Dena Porter, Rick Sherrick, Kiona Strickland