After countless responses to a variety of disasters over nearly two decades of service to her community and those in need, Disaster Program Manager Jamie Beaver has announced her retirement from the American Red Cross.
Jamie began working with the Red Cross in 2004, originally covering one county and helping support many lines of service including Disaster, Health and Safety, S.A.F. and Blood Services.
“You used to just do all lines or service and handle everything,” Jamie said. “When you went out to a fire call, it used to all be done on paper. I used to go out to the scene, interview the family, give them money, do the review and really do everything.”
Before joining the Red Cross, Jamie already had a background working in the disaster field as she volunteered for and was eventually hired to work with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
Through her work with IEMA, Jamie saw the work that the Red Cross performs during a disaster and eventually was offered a position to join the organization.
Over her years with the Red Cross, Jamie stated that she has seen the disaster process grow to become much more efficient in how cases are handled.
“Now it’s so much better,” Jamie said. “We have teams. We have a sheltering team and others where if you start to get overwhelmed, you call and the team kicks. There has been so many changes.”
While Jamie’s focus quickly was homed in on disaster work, her responsibilities continued to grow as she saw her coverage area grow to four counties, then seven and eventually 31 in the South Central Illinois Chapter.
In her disaster work, Jamie believes that one of her biggest strengths has been her willingness and ability to work with other organizations and partners throughout the community.
This cooperation was recognized by her peers when she was awarded the Collaboration Award during the annual Five C’s Awards.
“I think I just fell into a really good rhythm and established those relationships,” Jamie said. “These people have become my friends, and I just didn’t want to do anything else besides disaster. I never felt the pull to do anything else.”
Her familiarity in the disaster field also helped Jamie work alongside many dedicated volunteers, many whom she considers dear friends of hers.
“This is a volunteer-led organization, we work for you guys, we work for the volunteers,” Jamie said. “I love my volunteers.”
Jamie detailed one interaction with volunteers that has always stuck with her after she went to California a few years ago to assist in the wildfires.
She was placed in a group of volunteers responsible for driving around a 16-foot box truck loaded with supplies to community centers so they could help serve those in need.
On the third day of their assignment, Jamie said that one of members of her group came up to her and said, “So I hear that you are staff, is that true?”
Jamie answered yes and was asked why she didn’t tell them. “Well, does it make a difference?” she asked.
“I was in the role I am in today as a manager and they said ‘Well, I guess not,’” Jamie said. “That was probably the biggest compliment I think I’ve ever had because so many people can go on a scene and start bossing around because they are staff; but that’s not how it’s done.”
As she prepares for the next phase of her life, Jamie said that she will miss her relationships the most, whether it be coworkers, volunteers, community leaders or anyone else she has had the pleasure of working with over the years.
As much as she will miss those that she has worked with, there is no doubt that the Illinois Red Cross will also miss Jamie as we wish her the best in whatever lies ahead.
Written by Illinois Communications Manager Jayce Eustice
American Red Cross of Illinois 