A message from AAMS Interim President and CEO, Kolby Kolbet

June 22, 2022
 
Greetings AAMS Members,
 
First off, I would like to say that I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve as the interim President and CEO of AAMS. I look forward to working closely with the AAMS staff, each of you as AAMS members, and our diverse board of directors to add value to the members of this great association.  

I'd also like to recognize our outgoing President and CEO, Cameron Curtis. Cameron helped to lead the way through the uncharted waters of a global pandemic and was forced to call audibles to ensure our members were provided value through the lobbying efforts, NSA litigation, and provide the educational offerings of MTLI, SMTA, as well as CCTA. On behalf of the AAMS Board of Directors, we thank her and wish her well.

Now, I'd like to introduce myself. I am Kolby Kolbet and I am currently the Chief Clinical Officer at Life Link III. I am fortunate to have their support as I carry out my duties as the AAMS Chair-Elect and, as of yesterday, the interim role of AAMS President and CEO. I am a nurse, involved with EMS and Critical Care Transport for 20 years, and have a passion for ongoing education, innovation, and ensuring that our patients are cared for by the most competent, skilled providers. I have served in a variety of roles within the industry, including serving on the board and teaching TPATC for ASTNA, participating in the ACCT standards committee, as well as serving as an MTLI Regent for 6 years.  
 
As you know, AAMS members are beginning to feel the impact of the No Surprises Act. Collectively, we are all facing financial challenges, staffing crises, an ongoing pandemic, and a workforce that is burned out leaving many facing challenges with their own mental health. These challenges may vary among the different members of AAMS, but we do all have one thing in common: being there to serve the patients who are facing their most difficult days. To carry out the AAMS vision of high-quality transport medicine accessible to all, we must ensure the emotional well-being of our staff, and the financial well-being of our organizations - and find unity within our critical care transport community. This is a time to come together as an industry to be aligned with our collective goals, patient advocacy, and education. 
 
Our board has had an opportunity to reflect and take a position on the way forward. We must think differently, demonstrate humility, and find opportunities to work together as an industry towards our common focus. The AAMS board is committed to our mission and will take opportunities to spend time with AAMS members and staff. I will be heavily involved with the AAMS staff to help facilitate, build support and assist with industry knowledge and relationships.  
 
My priorities over the next several months will focus on the following:

• Establish and renew industry relationships with current and former AAMS members as well as other associations within the industry 
• To support the AAMS members and AAMS staff during this interim period as we begin the search for the next AAMS President and CEO
• Ensure that lobbying and advocacy efforts continue on behalf of our members; the No Surprises Act, Medicare reform, Workforce assistance, and other areas that have considerable and near-term impacts on our industry. 
  

During this period of change, I ask for your patience, your advocacy, as well as your confidence that we can and will unite our industry. The patients we care for each day are counting on us to be there for them. We must start by being there for each other. 
 
Thank you for all that you do every day,
 
Kolby Kolbet, RN, MSN, CFRN, FACHE, CMTE
AAMS Interim President and CEO