John Falin has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Frederick County Chapter as of April 1, 2010. 

John brings with him over thirteen years of experience in for profit and nonprofit executive and operational leadership at unit, regional, and corporate responsibility levels . "The Search Committee conducted a nationwide search and identified Mr. Falin to the Board of Directors as the candidate to provide leadership and direction to the Frederick County Chapter", states Board of Directors Chair Keith Roberson.

In 2002 John was challenged to begin a new branch of The Salvation Army in Houston, Texas,  and strategically created social services programs, a disaster action team, and produced one of the largest and most successful Boy's and Girl's Club in the region.  In 2006 he was promoted to CEO of The Salvation Army in Tyler, Texas which encompassed a HUD apartment complex of 132 units for low-income senior housing, a 200 bed shelter, oversight of 16 slot chemical dependency program, Thrift Store (retail/furniture), 11 separate buildings, an Advisory Board of local and industry leaders, and Incident Commander of Disaster services for all of East Texas.  After years of proven success, in 2008 John was specifically selected to teach Communications and Business at the Evangeline Booth College to future nonprofit leaders in addition to his primary responsibilities CFO.

Known for his excellent communication skills, John has been assigned as the Public Information Officer (PIO) to the State EOC in Florida during Hurricanes Charley and Frances in 2004 and served as a first responder in Hurricane Katrina as PIO in 2005.  He has also authored several published articles, been the keynote speaker at annual civic events, and interviewed by local and national news mediums such as CNN and Fox News.
 
John is a graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University, holds a black belt in Jiu Jitsu, and loves the outdoors.  He has been married for 17 years to the love of his life and has 3 girls who are the apple of his eye. 

"For the past two years the chapter has been under the leadership of Judy Peterson, Supervisor of Chapter Operations and a dedicated group of volunteers. John will join Ms. Peterson in continuing to enhance and improve the quality service which the Frederick Red Cross always provides, "states Roberson.
 
The Search Committee, appointed by the Board, was assisted by Dr. Greg Powell, Organizational Consultant.  A generous capacity building grant from the Ausherman Family Foundation provides the chapter funding for the Executive Director. Norine Hass, Executive Director of the Ausherman Family Foundation also joined the search committee.