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 of the Year: Mary Barnett

Mary is more than just a volunteer. She is a lifeline, ensuring that blood drives run smoothly, donors feel welcome and that our mission continues uninterrupted. She is dependable, always stepping up when a shift needs to be filled, never hesitating to rearrange her commitments to serve when needed. She embodies selflessness, balancing the responsibilities of a Blue Star Mother, a dedicated community volunteer, and a steadfast supporter of the Red Cross, always putting others first.

And, of course, Mary brings an infectious positivity that lifts us all. Her energy is contagious, her presence uplifting and her kindness unwavering. Staff and volunteers alike light up when they see her name on the schedule because they know the day will be brighter with her in it.

Mary’s ability to create a welcoming and inclusive environment across generations and backgrounds is nothing short of extraordinary. She ensures that every donor, every volunteer, and every team member feels valued, supported, and cared for. Even in the most demanding circumstances, she listens, uplifts, and reminds us all why we do what we do.

Mary, doesn’t just fill a shift — she brings warmth, kindness, and genuine care to every interaction.

Disaster Services Exceptional Volunteer of the Year: Kirk Summers

Kirk’s altruistic nature shines in every response, whether it’s a small crisis or a large-scale disaster. He prioritizes clients, exemplifies Red Cross principles, and goes above and beyond, no matter the time of day or night. He is the embodiment of the ideal Red Cross responder, consistently demonstrating reliability and determination whenever there is a need.

This year alone, Kirk has responded to over 190 disaster action team calls, offering assistance, reassurance and hope in moments of uncertainty. His dedication is unmatched, and as of this fiscal year, he holds the distinction of having answered the most disaster calls in the entire Southwest and Rocky Mountain division, a true testament to his commitment to service.

Beyond his extraordinary local efforts, Kirk also deployed this fall to assist with sheltering efforts during Hurricane Helene, ensuring that those affected by devastation received the care and support they desperately needed.

Kirk’s willingness to serve without hesitation, ability to step into crises with calm and strength, and his heart for helping others set him apart.

Service to Armed Forces Department Exceptional Volunteer of the Year: Dr. Rebekah Doyle

Dr. Doyle has spent years fostering a meaningful relationship between Northeastern State University and the Red Cross, ensuring students learn about service and actively participate in it. She has invited speakers from across the Red Cross to inspire students, demonstrating how they can contribute to meaningful causes.

This past year, she expanded opportunities by introducing the Youth Action Campaign (YAC), empowering students with a deeper understanding of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and opening doors for them to become engaged advocates. Her dedication to growing this program across the region is building capacity that will benefit communities for years to come.

And when an opportunity arose to teach a workshop in Kansas for a small but eager group of students, she didn’t hesitate, because that’s who she is. She leads with passion, willingness and an infectious optimism that motivates others to step forward and serve.

Dr. Doyle’s work is a testament to how education and service go hand in hand. Her dedication has touched the lives of students, volunteers and communities.

Operations Department Exceptional Volunteer of the Year: Sharon McGowan

Sharon is dependable, diligent and unwavering in her commitment to keeping our fleet database correct, accurate and up to date. She is the person we can always count on, ensuring that every vehicle, every detail and every logistical component of our operations are maintained with precision.

But beyond her exceptional work, Sharon embodies the very heart of the Red Cross mission: showing up, supporting others and remaining committed through every challenge. When her supervisor and dear friend, Gerald Thomas, passed away last September, it was a profound loss. Yet, despite her grief, she remained a constant within our operations team, carrying forward the work with strength and perseverance.

Her continued dedication to our fleet is not just a reflection of her work ethic, it is also a testament to her resilience, loyalty and deep commitment to the people we serve.

Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership: Bill Casey

This award is reserved for individuals whose dedication, expertise, and leadership truly embody the spirit of service and humanitarianism that Clara Barton herself demonstrated.

Bill exemplifies every core value of the Red Cross. He is committed, reliable and proactive, always stepping in where help is needed. He carries a sense of responsibility and mentorship in every task, ensuring that no challenge goes unaddressed and no teammate is left without support.

Whether he’s managing the disaster warehouse, tackling unexpected facility needs or simply lending a helping hand, Bill acts with compassion and a strong work ethic that inspires those around him. But what truly sets him apart is his ability to identify areas for improvement and take initiative without waiting to be asked.

This past winter, without any expectation of recognition, Bill stepped up in a way that speaks volumes about his dedication not just to the mission, but also to the people who carry it forward. Late at night and early in the morning, he plowed snow around the facility, ensuring the grounds were safe and accessible before the workday even began. His efforts, unseen by most, kept our operations running smoothly in challenging conditions.

Bill’s contributions go far beyond logistics and facilities. He is a mentor, a problem-solver and a leader who brings people together. His guidance is offered without hesitation, his approach to challenges is creative and thoughtful, and his ability to balance hands-on work with genuine compassion makes him an irreplaceable asset to our team.

If you haven’t met Bill, you’re missing out on knowing someone who truly embodies selflessness and steady leadership. He is the kind of person who puts the needs of others above his own, who works tirelessly without seeking recognition and who leads by example in ways that inspire us all.