Ryan Nisle Joins Board of Directors

Ryan is a partner in the tax group at the law firm Miller Nash. He’s been with the organization for eleven years and splits his time between Miller Nash’s Vancouver and Portland offices. His expertise in tax issues led to an appointment to the Executive Committee of the Tax Section of the Oregon State Bar.

He first became aware of the Red Cross when he earned his first aid and CPR certifications as a Boy Scout and now, as a board member, plans to focus his efforts on providing the support and resources the Red Cross needs to perform its mission.

“I’ve always been in awe of the response of the Red Cross to local and global disasters,” he explained. Ryan believes that maintaining the funding required to perform those activities during difficult economic conditions is the biggest challenge faced by the local chapter.

Ryan and his wife, Michelle, who is a Clark County prosecutor, live in Vancouver. They enjoy most forms of motorsports and are big fans of the Oregon Ducks.

Darcy Altizer Joins Board of Directors

Darcy has worked for the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce for nearly four years. In addition to her Member Services role, she also oversees the 20-member Chamber Ambassador Team.

Prior to that, she served as the Community Partnership and Resource Development Manager of Vancouver’s EOCF (Educational Opportunities for Children and Families), an organization that seeks to strengthen families through early learning and child development education.

A 2009 alumna of Leadership Clark County, Darcy continues her involvement by serving as a session captain for the social service segment of the nine month program.

Volunteerism is a big part of her life, as evidenced by her involvement with the Dream Big Community Center, where she serves as Events and Fundraiser Chair, and the Community Military Appreciation Committee, where she worked as Media Director.

Darcy’s goals include helping the Red Cross to expand partnerships with local media and provide exemplary service to all members of the community, including active and former military personnel. She is excited about her role as a board member, saying, “I get to be a part of something larger than myself and help the community–and work with wonderful people.”

Darcy lives in Vancouver with her husband and they enjoy spending time boating and camping.

Meet New Youth Board Member – Hunter Simpson

Hunter is a sophomore at Hudson’s Bay High School in Vancouver, and lists English and Student Government as her favorite classes.

She became interested in volunteering with the Red Cross after visiting the Southwest Washington chapter’s booth at the Vancouver Farmers’ Market.

Eager to become involved, she joined Hudson Bay High School’s Red Cross Club and was subsequently appointed to the Red Cross Youth Leadership Council. In 2012, Hunter was honored to be chosen as a board member.

She believes her experience in student government will serve her well in this new assignment and she is anxious to learn everything she can. Hunter says her goals include supporting the organization by introducing others her age to the Red Cross, explaining, “I’ve had opportunities I never imagined for myself at 15, and it’s really exciting to know that I’m making an impact.”

Hunter lives in Vancouver with her parents, brother and two dogs.

Aaron Kraft Joins Board of Directors

Aaron works as a project manager for Veolia Water North America, a company that partners with local cities and counties to provide water and wastewater management services to ensure top water quality. He is an environmental engineer and has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

One look at his resume affirms the fact that Aaron is a strong advocate of community service.

In addition to his new post on the board of directors of the Southwest Washington chapter of the American Red Cross, he serves as vice-president of Enabled Veterans Outdoors, a non-profit that provides outdoor opportunities for disabled American veterans.

He also is a strong supporter of the Fort Vancouver Trust, where he was recently selected as a dancer in this year’s Dancing With the Local Stars fundraiser at the Pearson Air Museum.

Aaron hopes that by serving the community, he can inspire others, particularly local youth, to do the same. His goals as a Red Cross board member include securing resources in a tough economy and boosting the ranks of volunteers.

Aaron enjoys outdoor sports and taking trips to Las Vegas, not to mention his newfound passion for dancing. He is most proud of the “three beautiful women” in his life:  his wife Peggy, and daughters Brittany and Paige.