As Lifeflight of Maine celebrates 25 years of service, Tom Judge has decided to step back as the executive director of the internationally renowned US air medical and aviation service. Under Judge's leadership, Lifeflight of Maine has received numerous awards for safety, innovation and clinical excellence. In addition to founding Lifeflight of Maine, Judge was instrumental in establishing The LifeFlight Foundation and, most recently, LifeFlight's new aviation operation, LifeFlight Aviation Services. Judge will continue to serve LifeFlight in a supporting role as project officer, assisting with legislative advocacy, working with the FAA on national safety initiatives and supporting LifeFlight's research group.

With Judge's transition to a supporting role, Joe Kellner of Windham will take on the role of chief executive officer for Lifeflight of Maine. Kellner currently serves as the vice president of finance, operations and strategy for Northern Light Home Care and Hospice, Northern Light Medical Transport and chief financial officer of Lifeflight of Maine. He also serves as the chief operating officer for MedComm. Kellner will begin his role as chief executive officer of Lifeflight of Maine on October 1, 2023.

Kellner's responsibilities will encompass all operations of Lifeflight of Maine and LifeFlight Aviation Services. He will be supported by Bill Cyr, the chief operating officer of LifeFlight, and Josh Dickson, the director of aviation services. In addition, Kellner will work in close partnership with The LifeFlight Foundation, led by Kate O'Halloran who was appointed as the executive director in 2020.

In sharing the news, Timothy Dentry, president and CEO, Northern Light Health, remarks: “We are grateful to Tom for his vision and dedication in building a world class nonprofit air medical and aviation service. With Tom's leadership, Lifeflight of Maine has become an invaluable resource to all of our communities, ensuring timely access to Maine's emergency and trauma centres, regardless of where people live or find themselves in need.”

Dentry shares that Kellner has spent his 20-year career becoming a respected expert in emergency medical services. He commented, “Over the years, Joe has tirelessly worked to advocate for EMS locally and nationally, and has remained very close to LifeFlight, most recently serving as its chief financial officer. He is well positioned to lead Lifeflight of Maine into the future.”

“I would like to personally thank Tom Judge for his leadership at LifeFlight over the past 25 years,” adds Steve Littleson, president and CEO, Central Maine Healthcare. “In just the past year, LifeFlight has made nearly 400 flights to and from our hospitals in Bridgton, Lewiston and Rumford, transporting patients more than 25,000 miles. In a state with very challenging terrain, LifeFlight is a real difference-maker in getting patients the care they need as quickly as possible. I look forward to working with Joe Kellner as he takes the reins on this outstanding organisation.”

In commenting on his transition and service to Lifeflight of Maine, Judge says: “LifeFlight represents an extraordinary effort by hundreds of people over the years, building something truly of Maine, for Maine and by Maine. We have developed our vision for the road ahead, and we have built an incredibly capable team and leadership group. It has been a gift for me to serve, and I am looking forward to stepping back from the front line to support the team. We have come a long way, and there is an incredible journey ahead, making sure LifeFlight is always there for the people of Maine, when and where they need us.”

Lifeflight of Maine is a joint partnership between Northern Light Health and Central Maine Healthcare and is the state's only air ambulance service. During its 25 years, LifeFlight has safely cared for more than 36,000 patients from every community and hospital in the state. LifeFlight deploys medical teams from bases in Sanford, Lewiston and Bangor, using three AgustaWestland A109 helicopters, a King Air 200, rapid response vehicles and specialised ground ambulances. These teams care for all of Maine's communities every day of the year, partnering with local EMS, fire/rescue and hospital providers.