About our Staff


		Position: Executive Director Bio: Kevin Bavers, a Northern Michigan native, has spent the majority of his life in the Northwest Michigan area, relocating to Traverse City in 2009 after assuming the role of Executive Director for the Northwest Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross. Formerly a small business owner, he joined the Red Cross as a volunteer in 2006 so that he could help make a difference in the lives of others. After only a short stint as a volunteer, he became intrigued with the Red Cross and shortly thereafter, was employed as the Director of Disaster Services in Petoskey, Michigan. Having served on two national disaster assignments, one in Texas during the floods of 2007 and the other in Michigan�s Upper Peninsula, working on the Sleeper Lake Fire, Kevin discovered just how quickly any community can be ravaged by disaster. During both experiences he served in managerial roles and was able to learn the keys to orchestrating a large scale disaster response on a local level and how being prepared makes a difference. An alumnus of Lake Superior State University, Kevin graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration and minors in Public Relations and Human Services Administration. He is a member of the BPO Elks Lodge #323 and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals. In his free time he is an avid photographer and outdoor adventurist, enjoying hiking, golf and scuba diving
	Kevin Bavers

		Position: Coordinator, Emergency Services Bio: Kit Hinz is the Emergency Services Coordinator for the NW MI Chapter of the American Red Cross. Kit has been with the American Red Cross since August of 2005. She began her career as a volunteer with the Ann Arbor, MI Chapter. After moving to Traverse City, Kit completed a year of service under the AmeriCorps program. Once this year was complete, Kit was hired on as a part-time employee. Kit is a CPR/FA/AED Instructor for Lay responder CPR as well as CPR for the Professional Rescuer. She is also certified to teach a number of basic, as well as advanced disaster courses. Kit has been on 2 national disaster assignments since starting with the Red Cross in 2005 and has been put through extensive training to become a Kitchen Manager. Kit is currently a college student at NMC working towards a Liberal Arts Degree. Once this is complete, Kit plans on pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Non-Profit Management or Emergency Management. Kit has lived in Traverse City for about 4 yrs. She lives with her fianc� and 4 dogs. Kit loves to be outside enjoying nature and spending time with her family and friends.
	Kit Hinz

		Position: Health & Safety Instructor Bio: Mary Fischer is an instructor with the American Red Cross of Northwest Michigan. She teaches CPR and First Aid, Babysitter�s Training, Pet First Aid and Disaster classes. She has been an instructor with the Red Cross for over 20 years.
	Mary Fischer

		Position: Aquatic and Safety Training Coordinator Bio: Meghan Walls is currently the Aquatic and Safety Training Coordinator at the chapter as well as chairing the Instructor Trainer Committee. She is also an instructor for the chapter in a variety of disciplines including CPR, First Aid and Lifeguarding. Meghan began as an instructor in 2005 and an instructor trainer in 2007 while she was a student at Northern Michigan University. As a student, Meghan also began working in the Central Upper Peninsula Chapter Office as a volunteer. After completing her BSN, Meghan moved to Traverse City and began working at the chapter here.
	Meghan Walls

		Position: Volunteer Disaster Services Human Resource Manager Bio: Dick Kay has been with the Red Cross for 7 years and is a retired school counselor. When national disasters strike, Dick recruits trained volunteers from our local community to send out on disaster assignments around the country.
	Dick Kay

About our Staff

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