Nice to Meet You: Tim McLarn

Meet Tim. He is a member of the Nebraska-Iowa region's Disaster Cycle Services staff. He is dedicated to ensuring that our volunteers are prepared to respond to a wide range of disaster scenarios.

Q: Could you explain what your title means and take us through your workday, or what projects you work on?

A: As a disaster workforce engagement specialist, I focus on building, supporting and sustaining a strong volunteer workforce that’s ready to respond to disasters. On a typical day, I track volunteer onboarding progress, help individuals identify the right disaster roles, coordinate training and work with leaders to make sure communication, training, systems and processes are working the way they should. Much of my work is about connecting with people and making sure they feel supported every step of the way.

Tim McLarn

Q: How long have you been with the Red Cross? Is this your first position with the Red Cross? If not, what was it?

A: I have been with the Red Cross for 18 months, and this is my first role with the organization.

Q: What do you like about your work?

A: I enjoy knowing that the work I do behind the scenes directly supports people who are responding to disasters. I love being a support system and a reliable source of information for others.

Q: What do you like to listen to during the workday?

A: I often listen to sports-focused podcasts while I work.

Q: In what part of the region are you located, and what do you enjoy about your community?

A: I live and work in Omaha, and I like that the city has distinct areas with their own personalities.

Q: How do you spend your time when you aren’t working?

A: Outside of work, I spend as much time as possible outdoors. I’m an avid golfer, and my 11‑year‑old son shares that passion; we both compete across the state of Nebraska. I also love to travel and follow sports, often planning trips around a game or a round of golf. Nearly every year, we head to Colorado, where I look forward to tackling challenging hikes.

Q: What has most surprised you while working for the Red Cross?

A: I was most surprised by the depth of services and systems at the Red Cross. I had no idea how extensive the organization’s support is or how it’s structured. I’m also consistently impressed by the dedication of volunteers who give their time, energy and hearts to help complete strangers, often on short notice. That level of selflessness is inspiring.

Q: What is a Red Cross moment that sticks with you?

A: Early in my career, while taking as much training as possible and before I knew training would become one of my responsibilities, I realized that all of the training I attended was led by volunteers. That was when it truly clicked that this is a volunteer‑run organization. The field experts aren’t the staff; they’re the people doing the work and carrying vast institutional knowledge. I have deep respect for this system and see my role as supporting it wherever and however I can.