May 18, 2013
This was the moment volunteers have been waiting for to voice their opposition against Floyd's dismissal. Many say firing Chris Floyd was a mistake and it is damaging to the community.
When CEO Joseph Agostini fired disaster services director, Chris Floyd, volunteers say he divided what they call the "Red Cross family." City and county disaster service leaders attended today's board meeting to describe their working relationship with Floyd.
Robby Powers, the Tallahassee Emergency Management Coordinator said, "When most of us work 40 hours a week, he's working 80 hours a week. If you ever look at the web sites, you'll see that they've been updated at two in the morning. The man is constantly living and breathing this organization."
Richard Smith, the Leon County Emergency Management Director
"When I disconnect that call, I don't have to follow up to see if it's being done. It's being done and it's being done right."
Thirty Red Cross volunteers came to the meeting and those who couldn't fit in the room listened outside. And when given a chance, they would say what was on their mind. Although the words were strong, it was not enough to get Floyd back. The board says it will consider their feelings, but they didn't make any promises. In the meantime they will serve the community the best they can.
After the meeting, volunteers were not happy with the board's broad response and they say they will not stand for it, so this may not be the end of the conflict between volunteer workers and management.
