Features
Commercial
EMS
STARS announces change in leadership
April 4, 2012 By Carey Fredericks
April 4, 2012, Calgary - More than 25 years after founding STARS to
provide emergency medical transport and help save the lives of the
critically ill and injured, Dr. Gregory Powell is continuing his work as
founder of the non-profit, charitable organization, while Andrea Robertson takes on the responsibilities of president and CEO.
"Dr. Powell has made an incredible contribution to critical care in
Western Canada, while also shaping a standard of excellence in air
medical transport internationally," said Brian Vaasjo, board chair,
STARS Society. "Dr. Powell and the Board have been planning for this
transition for over a year now and we have complete confidence in Ms.
Robertson's ability to inspire and lead the dedicated STARS team."
Robertson joined STARS as president and COO in 2011 and her appointment
as CEO is effective today. Prior to STARS, Robertson served in a variety
of health-care leadership roles including senior vice president and
chief nursing officer at Alberta Health Services and vice president for
the Foothills Medical Centre and Alberta Children's Hospital.
"Over the last nine months, Andrea has proven she has the ability,
experience and passion to lead STARS through the next stage of growth
and development," explained Powell. "This is a new era for STARS and I
am excited to have Andrea at the helm. She has my full support and the
support of the STARS team."
In addition to its ongoing work in Alberta, STARS is currently building
the STARS program in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, working with the
provincial governments and other key partners in those areas to enhance
access to critical care. The governments of both Saskatchewan and
Manitoba have recently signed 10-year agreements with STARS to provide
helicopter emergency medical services.
"In all of our work and efforts, we will continue to fulfill Dr.
Powell's vision of saving lives through partnership, innovation and
leadership," said Robertson. "I am honoured to take on the
responsibility of guiding the passionate and dedicated STARS team."
Dr. Powell is a recognized leader in critical patient care, air medical
transportation and emergency medical training and education. In 2006, he
was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.
As founder, Dr. Powell will continue to be an ambassador for STARS,
focusing on fundraising activities and community engagement. He will
also be a source of knowledge and inspiration for STARS employees and
the emergency medical transportation community.
"When we founded this organization, we were fortunate to have people who
believed in and supported our dream of a specialized emergency medical
transport system," said Powell. "I am extremely privileged to be part of
the STARS team and am excited to focus on connecting with our many
supporters and patients in
the communities we serve."
