By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE American Red Cross–NMI Chapter is in discussions with Pacific regional officers on whether to fill the executive director position vacated by John Hirsh, who left the chapter several months ago.
No decision has been made, according to ARC Regional Chief Executive Officer Molly Schmidt, who was responding to Gov. David M. Apatang’s remarks during a proclamation signing declaring March 2026 as American Red Cross Month. The governor said he was looking forward to Hirsh’s replacement.
Schmidt said they are actively considering all options as she reiterated the ARC’s commitment to supporting the NMI chapter. She stressed the importance of a thoughtful and strategic process, noting that the regional organization wants to ensure any decision ultimately meets the needs of the community.
In an interview after the proclamation, ARC–NMI Chapter Board Chairman Joshua Wise said they were set to meet with regional officials to decide whether to hire a replacement for Hirsh or assign some of the executive director’s responsibilities to Disaster Coordinator JD Tenorio.
Wise said the NMI chapter is exploring different “structural options” in consultation with the regional CEO. Nonetheless, he said the chapter’s board of directors will provide its recommendation.
He added that the board has also been in discussions with human resources on how to characterize Hirsh’s departure from the ARC NMI chapter.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
