By Airik Myers, Northwest Region

When Albery Lockhart walked into his first board meeting nine years ago, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He remembers looking around the room at the leaders seated at the table and wondering whether he belonged there. Over time, he learned something important — the Red Cross doesn’t ask people to show up with all the answers. It asks them to care, to listen, and to serve.

That simple truth shaped his entire journey.

During his nine years with the Greater Inland Northwest Chapter, Albery served three board terms, chaired committees, stepped in as Interim Chair, and led as Board Chair for two years. But when he reflects on his time with the Red Cross, the titles aren’t what stand out. The people do.

Service That Stays With You

For Albery, the most meaningful moments happened far away from the boardroom. They were found in conversations with volunteers, in community partnerships, in blood drives, and in homes where families welcomed Red Cross teams installing smoke alarms. Those experiences grounded him in the mission and reminded him why the work matters.

He also shared how much he learned from the Executive Directors he served alongside. Each one shaped his leadership in different ways, and he expressed deep gratitude for the support and encouragement he received. He offered special thanks to Executive Director Lacie, whose passion for the mission and the people behind it continues to inspire him.

What He’ll Miss Most

As Albery said goodbye to the board, he admitted that the change was harder than he expected. He’ll miss the monthly meetings — maybe not the early mornings — but the collaboration, the conversations, and the sense of shared purpose that comes from sitting around a table with people who genuinely care about their communities.

More than anything, he’ll miss the friendships. He came to the Red Cross expecting to volunteer. He leaves with lifelong friends.

A Message for the New Executive Board

Before stepping down, Albery offered a few thoughts for the leaders who will carry the mission forward:

• Remember why you’re here. No one serves on the board for recognition. They serve because they believe in something bigger than themselves.

• Be present and be yourself. Get to know volunteers, learn their names, hear their stories. They are the heart of the organization.

• Bring your whole self to the table. Every perspective matters. Someone new will always be sitting at that table wondering if they belong. Show them that they do.

His message was simple and heartfelt: lead with care, listen with intention, and make space for others to grow.

A Legacy Rooted in People

As Albery steps into the next chapter, his impact remains woven into the work of the Greater Inland Northwest Chapter — in the volunteers he encouraged, the leaders he supported, and the communities he helped strengthen. “Serving alongside all of you has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” he shared.

His nine years of service leave behind a legacy defined not by titles, but by connection, compassion, and the belief that showing up for others is always worth it.