ANCHORAGE, Alaska - May 4, 2018 - PRLog -- LifeMed Alaska, an air medical services company, announces that the Board of Directors has appointed Kelly Linebarger to succeed Scott Kirby as Chief Executive Officer effective May 4, 2018. Kirby reflects on a legacy of service with LifeMed and believes Linebarger will carry the company forward with success. Linebarger and the Board plan a bright future for LifeMed with Linebarger at the helm.
Scott Kirby has a history in the Alaska medevac industry of almost 21 years. He has been with LifeMed from the beginning. "About 10 years ago, we sat down and talked," Kirby says, "It was Providence Health & Services and Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC). Both had a medevac program and equipment. We decided to put the two together and form a little thing called LifeMed Alaska."
Kirby started with LifeMed as a Clinical Manager, watching over the daily operations of the clinical staff. It wasn't long until he began to fill other roles, including Chief Operating Officer (COO) and interim CEO as the company changed and grew, finally landing as the CEO for the past 7 years. Kirby is now moving to the Lower 48 to care for family facing medical issues.
Speaking to the appointment of Linebarger, Kirby says, "I have known Kelly for 13 years. We have flown together as clinicians. She is a super strong clinician with a great deal of passion for quality medical transport in healthcare. She displays integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, all of the qualities of a good leader. She is more than qualified for the Chief Executive Officer position."
Linebarger started her career in the medevac industry with LifeFlight at Alaska Regional Hospital in 2003. In 2005, she was hired by one of LifeMed's legacy companies, Aeromed (owned by YKHC). She, like Kirby, has been with LifeMed from the beginning, and she has worn an equal number of hats during her time with the company.
"I have been a Flight Nurse primarily," Linebarger says, "I was the Director of Flight Operations until Spring of last year when I went back to flight nursing because I bought a local business, Crossfit Alaska. I had been operating that and flying part-time. I came back to LifeMed as the COO in March of this year."
Linebarger is a long-time Alaska resident and committed to the health and wellness of the community. She is still in shock over the decision from the Board. "I am honored to have the opportunity to lead such a strong medevac company, known as a leader in the industry. I am excited to continue that mission statement, to continue moving LifeMed forward as a progressive clinical and aviation provider."
When asked about her vision for LifeMed, Linebarger says, "You have to stay on the front edge of what the industry is doing--care packages, equipment--we will stay ahead as a leader in the medevac industry by staying current with the latest trends in healthcare and in aviation safety to provide the best service to Alaskans. We must maintain and grow our clinical excellence."
Ross Newcombe is the Chair of the Board of Directors at LifeMed. He says about Linebarger's appointment, "Kelly has been a long-term employee with us, serving in a number of roles from flight nurse to COO that have led her to this point in her career. It is the obvious next step for her. She has been highly successful in all of her endeavors and is more than qualified. We are full of faith and trust in her abilities."
Commenting on the future of LifeMed under Linebarger's leadership, Newcombe says, "The Board is excited about the future of LifeMed and we are looking forward to working with Kelly to continue to provide emergency medical transport services to the community."
About LifeMed Alaska
LifeMed Alaska is an Alaskan owned and operated air medical services provider, offering 24/7 critical care services throughout the State. For just $49 per year, Membership with LifeMed covers your entire household, ensuring that you have zero out-of-pocket expenses for medically-necessary air or ground transports provided by LifeMed. Membership is activated immediately upon receipt of the completed enrollment form and payment. Join today!
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