Nov. 9-Ralph Lawson of Martinsville and formerly of Patrick County has been named head of the Piedmont Virginia Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Source: Martinsville Bulletin Lawson named new Red Cross chapter head Friday, November 9, 2012 By PAUL COLLINS - Bulletin Staff Writer Ralph Lawson of Martinsville has been hired as community chapter executive of the American Red Cross Piedmont Virginia Chapter, covering Martinsville, Henry and Patrick counties, Danville and Pittsylvania County. “Ralph has been a Red Cross volunteer and board member for several years. Prior to coming off the Piedmont VA board last year, Ralph served as treasurer and public relations representative as a volunteer,” C. Lee Clark wrote in an email. Clark is CEO of the American Red Cross Virginia Mountain Region. “Ralph was raised in Patrick County, so he has a unique perspective and sensitivity to the needs of the citizens of the Piedmont VA Chapter of American Red Cross,” Clark wrote. Lawson, 49, of Martinsville, said in a phone interview that he served on the Red Cross board for 10 years and is a past treasurer. He said he has a “love and passion” for the Red Cross, and “I’m excited about the opportunity” of being community chapter executive. He will start the job Nov. 26 and will be based at the Martinsville office on Spruce Street, with satellite offices in Stuart and Danville.