More changes at the Red Cross in the Mariana Islands

Following the resignation of Chita A. Blaise, CEO of the American Red Cross in Guam, the organization is now seeking an executive director for the Guam Chapter.

The notice lays out the experience and qualifications required, the wide benefits offered and the salary band, which is between $67,000 and $73,000.

For further details see: Executive Director, Guam job posting

Blaise’s resignation, which will see her leave Nov. 30, was tendered shortly before the Red Ball on Sept. 27 at the Hyatt Regency Guam. This was the Guam Chapter’s fundraiser for 2025. See Guam Chapter of the American Red Cross 23rd Annual Red Ball Gala — Sept. 27, 2025 
John Hirsh, the executive director for the Northern Mariana Islands chapter in Saipan, has left the NMI chapter. 

The NMI chapter hosted its major annual fundraiser — the 35th Annual Walkathon in April last year — but did not do so this year. Previously, the NMI chapter hosted a “Club 200” fundraising dinner also, but the last such event was in November 2023, according to Journal files. Hirsh announced the two events would no longer be held, saying fundraising would “need to be in alignment with our national directives,” according to the Marianas Press, which first reported in February the popular events would no longer be held. 

Hirsh said the Chapter would still do outreach and disaster preparedness. 

Fundraising is typically part of any Red Cross executive’s job.

The American Red Cross funded about $13.1 million for Typhoon Mawar relief, after the typhoon hit Guam in May 2023. The funding provided 342,000 meals and snacks after Mawar and over 30,000 overnight stays for the 27,000 people who received support from the Red Cross after the disaster, according to Journal files. About $540,078 of the amount was raised in Guam. 

Both the Guam Chapter and the NMI Chapter are part of the Pacific Islands Region. For more on the Red Cross around the islands, see Red Cross Micronesia chapter conducts World First Aid Day 2025. mbj