NATCHEZ — Since May, the Red Cross Board of Directors has been searching for a new chapter manager for the Natchez Chapter, but to no avail.

In the next week the board will interview three possible chapter managers.

Former chapter manager John Goodrich resigned in May due to a back injury.

A search committee had selected two possible candidates but both declined because of personal issues according to Stan Owens, board and search committee member.

Owens said the ideal candidate would be a very diverse individual who can balance fundraising, budgeting and volunteer management.

Owens is hopeful that one of the three new candidates to be interviewed next week will be a good fit for the job.

And while Owens does not believe that the Red Cross has suffered from a lack of leadership since May he did say things have been hectic.

“We did not expect to go this long with out a director,” he said.

Owens was quick to give credit to the staff of volunteers though.

“They have really kept the ship afloat,” he said.

And volunteers are looking forward to the new leadership.

Don Winters is the director of disaster services for the Natchez chapter of the Red Cross.

“Right now we’re getting things done. We are taking care of all of our needs,” Winters said.

Winters said a fulltime chapter manager will allow a renewed focus on fundraising, and community disaster preparations.

In the next week the board of directors will interview three candidates.

Angie Brown, formerly a board member, said she has resigned from her post on the board in order to apply for the position.

Owens said the board hopes to appoint a new chapter manager by early November.