The local chapter of the American Red Cross hopes to have a new executive director in place by September.

Applications for the position are being accepted through July, said Stephen McIntosh, president of the Anacortes-San Juan Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross Board of Directors. So far, the chapter has received six applications, both local and from outside the area.

McIntosh said the board hopes to have someone hired by the end of August to begin in the position Sept. 2.

The chapter has been without a leader since Michael Prater resigned last October. Prater worked as the health and safety instructor before being appointed interim executive and then executive director. He worked for the Anacortes Red Cross for more than four years.

The job, which has a starting salary of $30,000, includes overseeing services, building partnerships, fundraising and management.

The executive director search comes on the heels of a record-breaking Real Heroes breakfast fundraiser at the end of May. The event, which recognized 14 area residents for exceptional service or contributions to the local community, raised more than $46,000 in donations for the chapter.

“We’re continuing to support a chapter,” McIntosh said.

The Red Cross offers a variety of services in the local community, including disaster and emergency aid to families in need, health and safety classes for the community, support for local military families, utility assistance and backpacks and school supplies for children.