The American Red Cross Tulsa Area Chapter has announced its exceptional volunteer award recipients for 2026.

Board of Directors Exceptional Volunteer: Keller Taylor

Keller consistently goes above and beyond for the organization. His passion for the Red Cross mission shines through in everything he does, from his leadership and initiative with the Over the Edge fundraiser to his success in recruiting new board members who share his commitment to service. Keller’s energy, creativity, and drive have elevated our work and inspired those around him.

Biomedical Services Exceptional Volunteer: Sharon Downing

Sharon’s peers describe her as dedicated, dependable and compassionate, and she truly embodies all three. Sharon volunteers consistently each week, rarely misses a shift, and brings a warm, welcoming presence that puts both donors and staff at ease. Her kindness, reliability, and genuine care for others create an uplifting environment that directly supports our lifesaving mission.

Disaster Services Exceptional Volunteer: Kelly Hester

Kelly is committed, supportive and dependable, a volunteer who always says “yes” to serving. She responds to more Disaster Action Team calls than anyone, comes in weekly to organize the office, prints materials, stuffs folders and even stepped up to fill the role of Mass Care Coordinator when she saw the need. She attends every form of training that she can, always striving to better support the communities we serve.

Kelly is often the first to arrive and the last to leave. She anticipates needs before they arise, steps in without being asked, and brings a positive, can‑do spirit to every task. Her reliability, compassion, and heart make her an invaluable part of the chapter.

Operations Department Exceptional Volunteer: Spencer Mayo

Spencer is reliable, quietly influential and brings a wonderful sense of humor to the team. He volunteers nearly five days a week, handling essential facility operations that often go unseen but are absolutely vital. More recently, he has stepped confidently into leadership roles by spearheading committees, crafting agendas, and demonstrating thoughtful, steady leadership.

Spencer brings warmth, consistency, and a sense of fun to our operations team. He is essential to our daily work and a joy to work alongside.

Volunteer Services Exceptional Volunteer: Yolanda Arnold

Yolanda exemplifies exceptional volunteer service through her passion, leadership and unwavering commitment to the community. She consistently goes above and beyond, dedicating her time, energy and extensive network to advance the Red Cross mission and strengthen community connections.

A trusted advocate, Yolanda proactively identifies opportunities, builds partnerships, and connects people and resources where they are needed most. Through her deep relationships in north and east Tulsa, she has opened doors to churches, civic leaders, grassroots organizations and elected officials, helping expand the Red Cross’s reach and credibility in historically underserved communities.

Yolanda consistently communicates with respect, works collaboratively, takes initiative, and follows through on every responsibility with integrity and professionalism. Her leadership, community influence and ability to build trust have significantly strengthened our community mobilization efforts and increased awareness of the Red Cross.

Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership: Mary Barnett

Mary is dedicated, compassionate and joyful. At 92 years old, she continues to serve with unwavering commitment, showing up rain or shine, often stepping in at the last minute to ensure shifts are covered. Despite her many other volunteer commitments, she always makes time for the Red Cross.

Mary is a reliable, go‑to volunteer whose warmth and humor brighten every room. She brings stories, laughter and a spirit of generosity that lifts those around her. Her compassion, reliability and selflessness make her truly deserving of this honor.

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 24 in Tulsa. 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.