Chrissy Bristle is a disaster workforce engagement manager for our Red Cross region. She is committed to ensuring that we have enthusiastic, engaged volunteers who are well-trained and ready for disaster responses. This busy mom of two enjoys being active, while living the Red Cross mission outside of work by helping her community as a volunteer EMT and firefighter.
Q: What does your title mean?
A: I support our Disaster Volunteer program from beginning to end. My work focuses on how we onboard and train our volunteers and build our volunteer leadership. I also deploy our volunteer workforce when disaster strikes. I also ensure that our hardworking volunteers receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve.
Q: How long have you been with the Red Cross?
A: I have been an employee of the Red Cross for 11 years, although, I grew up taking Red Cross swimming lessons. I was a lifeguard and swim instructor, as well as a CPR/First Aid instructor up until I worked for the Red Cross. The Red Cross has been in my life more than it has not.
Q: What do you like most about your work?
A: Every day is different. I enjoy that there is no routine to it.
Q: What do you listen to during the day?
A: Silence or meditation music.
Q: What do you do when you aren’t working?
A: Oh goodness…love on my two kiddos! I also lift weights and exercise, maintain a household, volunteer as an EMT/firefighter, enjoy friendships. I like doing lots of outside activities.
Q: What is your favorite thing about where you live?
A: I enjoy living in a smaller town with lots of families.
Q: What has most surprised you while working with the Red Cross?
A: When I mention that I work at the Red Cross people immediately think I am a nurse and work in blood services.
Q: What is a Red Cross moment that has stuck with you?
A: My deployments to any disaster operation and being physically present stick with me. There is nothing like it. There's no way to portray it unless you are there.
Q: What do you wish people knew about working for the Red Cross?
A: The work is rewarding, but there is a lot of effort and dedication to the work that we do.