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  • New Cullman County Red Cross Director Mike Bates sits at his desk at the Red Cross office. Bates was appointed to the position last week. Trent Moore

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October 13, 2009

Local Red Cross chapter gets new director with familiar face

By Trent Moore The Cullman Times

CULLMAN — New Cullman County Red Cross Director Mike Bates is hoping his past success as a coach will translate into future success for the community.

Bates was hired by the Cullman County Red Cross board of directors this week, following nearly a month-long search after former director Kenneth Kilgo stepped down to pursue a career in politics.

Bates has spent 26 years of his life as a high school head football coach and teacher at Cullman High School, as well as schools in Winston County and other areas. At his most recent coaching stop at St. Paul’s Episcopal High School in Mobile, Bates won a state championship and coached current University of Alabama back-up quarterback A.J. McCarron.

A lot of the traits learned as a coach and teacher should translate well into the Red Cross organization, Bates said.

“I went to the Red Cross regional meeting and they talked a lot about teamwork and what it takes to succeed,” he said. “A lot of those things are also important to be a successful coach.”

Though he doesn’t have any former experience as a volunteer for the Red Cross, Bates said he has worked with the organization on numerous occasions in other capacities.

“We had a lot of dealings with the Red Cross in the schools, but it was always in the peripheral,” he said.

As director, Bates said he hopes to be able to give even more back to the community.

“Doing something like this, you’re really in a position to make a difference in people’s lives,” he said. “That’s what I want to do. It’s great, because Cullman is a very progressive town as far as helping people.”

Though he is fairly new to the job, Bates said he is already making plans for the local Red Cross chapter.

“Right now, we’re just going to be working to make the Red Cross more visible and be in a position financially and personnel-wise to help people,” he said. “We want to keep incorporating our Winston County coverage and just keep on providing services for people.”

Brett Adams, chairman of the Cullman County Red Cross board of directors, said Bates brings some great abilities to the position.

“He’s an incredible person, an educator and really brings a lot to the table,” he said. “One thing he has is a lot of experience in fundraising, and that’s one of the things we’re looking for in leadership ... I think he will be a great fit for the community.”



‰ Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.

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