BELLINGHAM - The director of the Mt. Baker chapter of the American Red Cross has retired after 26 years with the agency.

Maureen Enegren served as the Red Cross director for 15 years. The Bellingham-based chapter will begin a nationwide search for her replacement soon, said Financial Development Director Marinda Peugh. In the interim, Emergency Services Director Stacy Rice will fill the director position, Peugh said.

Enegren led the merger of the Whatcom County and Skagit Valley Red Cross chapters in 2005, and oversaw a $1 million fundraising campaign each year. What she's most proud of, she said, is recruiting a strong staff.

"I know I'm leaving it in very, very good hands," Enegren said.

Volunteers for the nonprofit Red Cross provide assistance locally and internationally to disaster victims.

Reach RALPH SCHWARTZ at ralph.schwartz@bellinghamherald.com or call 360-715-2266.